An accident involving a grounding is being investigated by the Transport Safety Board and the Japanese Coast Guard.
In particular, a vehicle carrier called Suou, which was built in 2019 and weighed 6100 DWT, grounded while sailing in excellent weather and a calm sea. But at the time, it was on a busy road.
On November 20, the 590 m long vehicle carrier departed Port of Hakata after loading 100 automobiles in Japan. It was supposed to arrive in Iwakuni Port, but on November 21, around 1:00 am, it sank near Matsuyama.
The skipper ordered the twelve crew members to enter the life raft as the carrier began to list to starboard. The Coast Guard then came to their rescue ninety minutes later.
As informed, it took the rescue team around five kilometres to secure it as it kept drafting. The purpose of towing the vessel to Kodomari Bay was to strand it in order to prevent it from sinking. As a precaution, an oil bloom was also maintained, although no leaks of oil have been documented.
Between Hiroshima and Matsuyama, close to Nuwa Island, the ship struck a rock, according to the Coast Guard. According to media sources, there is an ongoing inquiry of careless navigation.
