Rescuers have been searching for a Chinese crew member of the Panamanian oil tanker Liquid Gen which ran aground near the Port of Taichung.
The tanker, with a crew of 15, ran aground on December 7 after its anchor dragged, causing it to drift with the wind and waves until it came to rest and listed at an angle of about 15 degrees near a breakwater, approximately 500 meters from shore, according to police. As reported, of the 15 crew members, twelve were airlifted to safety, while three jumped overboard fearing the ship might capsize.
Among the three, a Taiwanese and a Chinese national were rescued without serious injuries, while a 47-year-old Chinese crew member remains missing, police said, adding that the National Airborne Service Corps is currently searching for the individual.
Furthermore, the 4,240 gross-ton tanker is not considered an immediate risk because it is grounded near wave-dissipating blocks, according to Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC). However, there are concerns about potential damage to the ship and oil spillage from collisions with the blocks. As a precaution, oil containment booms and absorbent pads have been deployed, TIPC said.
The tanker had entered Taichung Port for inspection in mid-November and had been anchored offshore since late November, awaiting clearance to dock and load diesel fuel, police reported. The vessel has mostly emptied its fuel tanks, leaving only 110 tons of operational fuel on board, TIPC confirmed.
