Typhoon plays havoc with shipping

A typhoon that has reportedly killed at least 18 people in China and the Philippines has also played havoc with shipping in the region.

The Macau Daily Times said 17 crewmen are missing after a South Korean freighter capsized off Macau. Chinese rescuers are searching for survivors.

Both Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk have reported casualties as a result of the storm.

Hapag-Lloyd said a crewman was killed on board its containership Chicago Express Wednesday, and the captain of the ship was injured as the ship rode out Typhoon Hagupit.

The shipping company said the accident occurred on the bridge of the ship in the early morning hours after authorities in Hong Kong closed the port and instructed all vessels to leave. The company said the accident occurred as wind speeds topped 90 knots.

The seaman died from his severe injuries. The captain was taken by helicopter to a hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.

British newspapers reported a 52-year-old engineer from Liverpool had been killed after the storm hit the Maersk freighter Kithira as it was steaming between Yantian and Xiamen. 

Source: American Shipper