The Japanese tankers Eastern Phoenix and Keihin Maru 8 collided about two nautical miles off Japan’s coast on Sunday. The collision caused an oil spill, according to local media reports.
Keihin Maru 8 partially sunk after the collision in the Japanese prefecture of Kanagawa. Meanwhile, Eastern Phoenix suffered slight damages, but remained afloat without water ingress. Reports indicate Keihin Maru to have been breached in fore port, causing it to flood and later partially sink.
- Keihin Maru 8 (IMO: 9009578) has overall length of 37.50 m, depth of 4.00 m and maximum draft of 3.20 m. The deadweight of the vessel is 465 DWT and the gross tonnage is 144 GRT. The ship is owned by Japanese company Shuho Kaiun.
- Eastern Phoenix (IMO: 9552692) has overall length of 97.00 m, moulded beam of 16.00 m and maximum draft of 4.50 m. The deadweight of the vessel is 5,025 DWT and the gross tonnage is 3,380 GRT.
The local authorities are said to have started salvage operation for the Keihin Maru 8, which was carrying 300 tons of fuel on board. The tanker started getting water ingress from large underwater breach.
Furthermore, information of an oil spill have been received. According to the reports there was oil leak from the tanker which caused environmental pollution. Two rescue vessels are performing water cleansing and the investigation for the accident is under way.
