Vessel with nine crew descends off Taiwan as storm strikes
Date
7/25/2024 5:44:40 AM
(MENAFN) Rescue operations are underway off Taiwan's southern coast after a cargo ship, flying the Tanzanian flag and carrying nine crew members, sank amidst the onslaught of Typhoon Gaemi. The vessel had been navigating near the port city of Kaohsiung when Taiwan was battered by the typhoon's powerful winds and torrential rains.
Simultaneously, in the Philippines, Typhoon Gaemi has triggered heavy rainfall and tumultuous seas, causing a Philippine-flagged tanker, MT Terra Nova, carrying nearly 1.5 million liters of industrial fuel, to capsize. Sixteen crew members have been successfully rescued, but one remains missing, according to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
Typhoon Gaemi's impact has been severe, claiming three lives and causing injuries to hundreds more in Taiwan after making landfall on the island's eastern coast. It has also exacerbated the weather conditions in the Philippines, where eight fatalities have been reported due to the storm's effects.
Before reaching Taiwan, Typhoon Gaemi intensified rainfall in the Philippines and is projected to continue its destructive path towards mainland China after passing through Taiwan. Taiwan's Coastguard Administration has identified the capsized freighter, Fu Shun, as carrying nine Myanmar nationals. Additionally, three other foreign vessels were reported to have run aground during the typhoon but remained safe.
Meanwhile, in Manila Bay, the capsized MT Terra Nova was en route to Iloilo City when it sank, causing a significant oil spill that has spread several kilometers. Rescue efforts by Philippine authorities have been challenged by strong winds and high waves hindering their response efforts.
The Philippine Coast Guard is investigating whether adverse weather conditions contributed to the tanker's capsizing. The incident underscores the severe impacts of Typhoon Gaemi on maritime activities in the region, prompting intensified search and rescue operations amidst challenging weather conditions.
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