Harsh weather has claimed another victim – this time the wood-chip carrier Crimson Polaris whose hull has split into two after it ran aground off the Japanese port of Hachinohe yesterday. According to a statement from charterer NYK, oil from the vessel has spilt into the ocean and the amount is currently under investigation.
The dedicated wood-chip carrier was swept away by strong winds yesterday while anchored.
A portion of the ship’s cargo was lost from the damaged part of the hull, and NYK is currently confirming the amount of cargo and the impact on the sea area at the site.
All crew members have been evacuated and are safe.
The vessel is owned by MI-DAS Line SA and managed by Misuga Kaiun Co Ltd. NYK is currently chartering the ship from the shipowner.
The line has organised a crisis management centre led by NYK president Hitoshi Nagasawa to address the situation as speedily as possible.
The split hull is about four kilometres offshore, and the on-site response is being carried out by Japan Coast Guard patrol boats and tugboats.
