2023-04-28 21:00:26
Just 10 days following a Chinese bulk carrier ran aground in the east central region of Filipinasthe Coast Guard from that country reported that it has given authorization for the salvage operation to begin following an inspection confirmed that there have been no leaks or damage inside the ship.
The incident began on April 18, following reports emerged regarding the grounding of the ship Zhe Hai 168which bottomed out approximately 2.7 nautical miles off the province of Eastern Samar in the Philippine Sea, The Maritime Executive reported.
The 12-year-old vessel has 57,000 dwt and was reported to be carrying a cargo of nickel ore loaded on Homonhon island in eastern Samar. The ship was sailing to Caofeidian, China, where she was due to arrive on April 25.
On April 19, a visual inspection was carried out by the Coast Guard, the Marine Environment Protection Unit and the local agent of the vessel. The evaluation of the surface in search of possible traces of oil were negative.
However, the ship, which is 189 meters long, remains firmly stuck and it has not been possible to refloat using available resources. Given this scenario, the Philippine Coast Guard chose to begin unloading the ship before further attempts are made to remove it from the reef.
In this way, a rescue team from Singapore will have to reach the bulk carrier and place a barge alongside. They will then temporarily transfer the cargo to the barge to lighten the ship so she can float off the reef.
The Zhe Hai 168 had 20 crew members on board who are reported to be in good health pending the salvage operation.
The Coast Guard requires the salvage team to install oil spill booms before beginning their work.
Once the ship has been refloated, the Philippine Coast Guard will require another evaluation of the hull. Divers will also assess the condition of the coral to determine potential damage claims.
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