Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a statement on Tuesday (December 31st), stating that two bulk carriers collided in the Yangtze River in China, adding that there were no reports of injuries to the crew.
According to the statement released by MPA, the collision occurred around 10 p.m. on December 30th between the Japanese-registered bulk carrier Vega Dream and a bulk carrier Yangze 22 flying the Singapore flag.
The statement indicated that the hull of Yangze 22 was damaged in the collision, resulting in a leakage of approximately 9 metric tons of fuel. The vessel is currently anchored at Hengsha East Anchorage at the mouth of the Yangtze River in Shanghai for damage assessment.
MPA mentioned that the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) is coordinating with several support vessels dispatched by the company of Yangze 22 to clean up the fuel spill. MPA confirmed that the situation is under control.
Both vessels are stable, and there have been no reports of injuries to the crew members. MPA is in communication with the ship management company of YANGZE 22 and the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration to provide necessary assistance. An investigation into the incident will be conducted by MPA.
According to reports from Reuters, Vega Dream is a bulk carrier owned by the Japanese corporation Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. Officials from the company have not immediately responded to requests for comments.