TIPM NO.13205
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520 days ago
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Tug grounded during salvage attempt of bulk carrier
The bulk carrier 'CSE Prosperity Express' (IMO: 9345647), en route from the Thathong Anchorage to berth 22 in the Hualien Port, suffered a main engine failure an ran aground approximately 0.1 nautical miles north off Hualien on the north side of the Hualien River estuary, amid severe weather conditions on the morning of Jan 1, 2025, while waiting for pilotage to berth at Hualien Port. The bulk carrier encountered strong northeasterly monsoon winds of force 5 to 8, and heavy seas, causing it to drift toward the coast. The Maritime and Port Bureau, Hualien Port Fire Department, Sixth Coast Guard Squadron, Coast Guard 12th Brigade, and Fire Department responded to the emergency, The Taiwan authorities dispatched the 'Taigang 13205' of the Taiwan Harbour Corporation (CSBC) to assist, which, however, lost propulsion after becoming entangled in the towing lines of the 'CSE Prosperity Express', and ran aground too at the Huaren Beach in Beikou, Hualien County. Due to the inclement weather and the tug’s proximity to the rocky and sandy shoreline, the authorities assessed that an evacuation of the five crew members aboard the tug was unsafe. A Black Hawk helicopter was deployed to take off the crew members from the tug. Before, the fuel tank valves were closed by the crew, which was asked to provide the quantity of diesel fuel in each tank, and prepare vessel diagrams. Due to the violent impact when the tug ran aground, one crew member suffered a head laceration and was taken to hospital. All 17 crew members, among them five Filipino and 12 Taiwanese nationals, aboard the ' CSE Prosperity Express' were safe and not in immediate danger. The main engine power of the vessel has been partially restored. The Maritime and Port Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has prioritized the procurement and deployment of anti-pollution materials, such as oil booms, and absorbent pads, by the China Transport Corporation and the Port Services Corporation, subject to sea conditions permitting. The Bureau has also requested assistance from the Ocean Conservation Administration and the county government for subsequent deployment of anti-pollution materials and also coordinated with tugs to assist the bulk carrier, among them the 'Champion' of the Asia Salvage Company, assessing sea conditions and safe towing method on a sea position. Reports with photos: https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/society/breakingnews/5297085 https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20260102700899-431401 https://video.ltn.com.tw/article/jcdJfEGHTYM/PLI7xntdRxhw03nlbog26AEgBkNoCHWcv- https://today.line.me/tw/v3/article/gz5prZg
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