A product tanker has collided with a sand carrier of Zhoushan in China leaving four hospitalized and another four missing.
The product tanker Zi Yun 1 was attempting to overtake the sand carrier Guoliang 399when it collided with the vessel which subsequently sank. Strong currents in the area are thought to have contributed to the accident.
Guoliang 399 suffered large hole in starboard below the waterline. The crew were not able to safely abandon ship, most jumping in the water where they were rescued by local fishermen. Four were taken to hospital with serious injuries, and local authorities are searching for another four who are still missing.
The tanker was unladen, and there are no reports of pollution, although a large portion of the sand on board Guoliang 399 has spilled into the water.
The sand carrier is owned and operated by Anhui Wuhu Sea Shipping, and the chemical tanker is owned and operated by Shanghai Long-Fuel Corporation.
http://maritime-executive.com/article/tanker-collision-four-injured-four-missing
