MOL's bulker Bright Century sinks off Shangdong Peninsula, China

Bright Century bulk cargo carrier owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL, President: Akimitsu Ashida) collided with a Laberia-flagged Sea Success freighter in foggy conditions while under way on the high seas approximately 23 miles east of the Shangdong Peninsula (37°38”N 123°07”E), China, and sank some 40 minutes later, on May 2nd at around 5:30 a.m. (LT), the MOL press release said.

The crew of 23 (Indian nationals) was rescued by another vessel steaming nearby. The Sea Success’ crew was rescued by helicopter and all are safe. The Sea Success has been reportedly docked.

The Bright Century left Dampier, Australia, laden with 170,000 tons of iron ore bound for the port of Bayuquan, Liaoning Province. At the time of its sinking, the vessel had around 400 tons of fuel oil and about 70 tons of diesel oil left in its tanks. An oil slick approximately 5,500 meters long and 1,000 meters wide has been observed, and Chinese authorities are taking the necessary countermeasures.
 
As of May 7, none of the slick had touched shore.

On May 2, MOL established a task force headed by President Akimitsu Ashida. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

(Source: Port News)