Oil spill detected near bulk carrier grounded off Taiwan
NewsBlue Lagoon, a Barbados-flagged bulk carrier ran aground off Taiwan during Super Typhoon Krathon, causing an oil spill that contaminated the coastline.
Bulk carrier runs aground off Taiwan, raises concerns of oil spill
NewsThe Barbados-registered bulk carrier Blue Lagoon ran aground off Taiwan during Super Typhoon Krathon, leading to the safe evacuation of its 19-member crew.
On 1 October, the Blue Lagoon, a Barbados-registered bulk carrier, ran aground off the southeastern coast of Taiwan, as it battled the rough seas generated by Super Typhoon Krathon.
The vessel, measuring 229 metres in length, was transporting 67,500 tonnes of iron ore from China to Singapore when it encountered the powerful storm.
It became stranded approximately 18 nautical miles from Orchid Island, and as water began to flood the ship, the captain ordered an evacuation.
The crew, comprising 19 members from Ukraine, Egypt, and Russia, was airlifted to safety by helicopters from the National Airborne Service Corps. Despite the treacherous conditions, all crew members were successfully transported to Orchid Island, where medical personnel confirmed that everyone was in good health.
The distress signal from the Blue Lagoon was sent out while the ship was floundering in heavy seas. The Taiwanese coast guard reported that the rescue operation involved helicopters lifting crew members from the rolling deck of the bulk carrier. Concerns have arisen regarding a possible oil spill, as oil was observed in the water surrounding the ship.
In addition to the iron ore, the Blue Lagoon was carrying 39 tonnes of marine oil, raising concerns about the potential for contamination in the surrounding waters.
The Blue Lagoon is a 79,000dwt bulk carrier, built in 2010, and owned by Turkey’s Nova Gemi.