A Panamanian-registered but Iranian-owned oil tanker caught fire after colliding with a Hong Kong-registered freight ship 160 miles off China’s east coast, could explode according to Chinese state media.
The Associated Press reports a three-nation rescue effort by China, the U.S. and South Korea has been hindered by bad weather and dozens of crew members are believed to be missing, with the remains of one recovered so far. In addition to fires and bad weather, poisonous gasses have surrounded the tanker and nearby waters further impeding rescue efforts though all 21 crew members of the grain-carrying CF Crystal have been rescued.
The Sanchi’s cargo was estimated to be worth more than $60 million. This is the second collision for a ship from the National Iranian Tanker Co in less than 18 months, according to AP.
The Sanchi was carrying 150,000 tons, or roughly 1 million barrels, of ultra-light oil condensate and an oil slick has already been confirmed; In comparison Exxon Valdez was carrying 1.26 million barrels of denser, less volatile crude oil which spilled into the Prince William Sound off Alaska in 1989 raising concern of devastating albeit smaller scale environmental damages.
The Chinese government reports 32 missing, all Iranians save for two Bangladeshi nationals.
