A Chinese freighter ran aground on a giant coral reef off Japan on January 24, with the crew requesting assistance from the Japan Coast Guard.
As sources report, the freighter Xin Hai Zhou 2 lost power between Ishigaki and Kohama Island. High winds were causing the ship to drift, and it grounded on a reef.
The ship’s crew then requested assistance, and the Japan Coast Guard deployed a helicopter to rescue them. At the time of the incident, 19 seafarers were onboarding the ship.
The area where the ship is grounded is the largest coral reef in Japan. The area is known for its reefs, diving destinations, and seaside resorts, and while no pollution has been reported, any potential fuel spill from the vessel could have a significant impact.
The Hong Kong-flagged “Jin Tian” sank between South Korea and Japan on January 25, and there are fears that up to 8 crew might have died in the incident.