Bulkers collide on Yangtze River

Bulkers collide on Yangtze River
January 24, 2024 https://splash247.com/bulkers-collide-on-yangtze-river/

Two bulk carriers have been involved in a collision on the Yangtze River.

The incident which took place early Tuesday morning, saw the 1997-built 46,600 dwt Mirabella collide with the 2004-built 48,800 dwt Omega about 15 nautical miles north of the Yangtze River Estuary.

The ships are owned by Safe Sea Services of Lebanon and Turkey’s Gamma Shipping, respectively.

The Omega suffered water ingress as a result of a breach of one of the cargo holds and is in danger of sinking, cargo claims specialist WK Webster said, citing reports.

The Mirabella was carrying 45,000 tons of iron ore with 24 crewmembers onboard, while the Omega was loaded with some 47,000 tons of steel billets at the time of the collision.

Donghai Rescue Bureau said its teams secured the Turkish bulker from drifting in strong winds and waves and that the Mirabella had also been damaged and partly flooded but managed to anchor in safe waters after the incident.

Authorities added that the 21 crewmembers onboard the Omega were safely rescued after abandoning the ship.