The 6,450 vehicle capacity NOCC Oceanic is being investigated for a possible collision with the fishing vessel Yujin Maru No.7 off the coast of Japan on 23 June which caused it break in two. Eight crew members from the fishing vessel were rescued while the Master is missing.
The NOCC Oceanic was requested to proceed to the nearest port of Sendai-Shiogama for investigations by the Japanese Coast Guard. “An inspection of the hull of NOCC Oceanic conducted this morning [Tuesday] has revealed damage to the bow area of the vessel, indicating physical contact with an object. The investigations are ongoing,” a statement from NOCC said.
NOCC has a team present at the Japanese port to assist with investigations.
“Norwegian Car Carriers ASA would like to express its deep concern for the well-being of the missing crew member and sincerely hopes the search will end well,” the company said.
It is not the first time a large merchant vessel has been in an involved in a possible collision with fishing vessel in Northeast Asian ports, and some past cases have led to lengthy legal proceedings.
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