Sanchi firefighting operations resume

Firefighting teams have resumed operations to put out the fire onboard NITC tanker  Sanchi following a retreat on Wednesday due to an explosion on the tanker.

According to China’s Ministry of Transport, currently there are two vessels spraying firefighting foam on the vessel and another vessel has been transporting the foam from Shanghai’s Yangshan Port.

The ministry said the ship remains at risk of exploding and sinking while winds remain strong, making firefighting operations difficult.

Search and rescue teams from China, South Korea and Japan have expanded their search area to more than 1,000 square miles, however, the 31 crew members from the tanker remain missing.

Due to strong winds, the burning vessel drifted today into Japan’s exclusive economic zone, about 300 km northwest of Sokkozaki on the island of Amami Oshima. Currently the Japanese Coast Guard is monitoring the situation.

The tanker has been burning for six straight days since its collision with Chinese bulk carrier CF Crystal.