Tokyo: Weekend storms in Japan took their toll in a series of shipping accidents including the grounding and breaking in two of the MOL-controlled capesize Giant Step near Kashima port. Seventeen of the 26-strong Indian and Sri Lankan crew were rescued, but one later died in hospital, and nine are reported missing.
The 1985-built 197,000 dwt vessel was carrying iron ore from Australia to Japan when it suffered a cabin fire and anchored. Gales then pushed the vessel ashore.
Ironically the news coincided with a company announcement on the setting up of an Emergency Committee for Enhancement of Operational Safety after a series of incidents including the August oil spill from the VLCC Bright Artemis which was holed when trying to rescue a distressed vessel near the Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. MOL's Cougar Ace car carrier was another notable casualty this summer.
Another dozen or more seafarers were lost in other incidents over the weekend weekend involving mainly fishing vessels in the Japanese storms. [09/10/06]
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