Thirty-two people are missing after a tanker vessel carrying Iranian oil collided with a Chinese bulk carrier near Shanghai. The tanker carrying 136,000 tonnes of oil has been burning for more than 24 hours post accident.
According to China’s Ministry Of Transport, the crew comprising of 30 Iranian and 2 Bangladeshis are missing and the rescue effort is hampered by the fierce blaze.
Panama registered Sanchi Tanker, collided with the Hongkong registered CF Crystal about 160 nautical miles off the coast near Shanghai. The tanker was sailing from Iran to South Korea with 136,000 tonnes of condensate, an ultra-light crude worth close of $60 million. CF Crystal cargo ship was carrying 64,000 tonnes of grains from the US to Southern China.
According to the Chinese news agency Xinhua, eight Chinese rescue ships were sent to carry out search and rescue operation, whereas South Korea has also sent a ship and a helicopter.
There is a high probability of a massive oil spill if the entire load ends up in the ocean.
References : BBC/ Xinhua / NBC news
Source: Maritime Shipping News