Cargo ship aground on Taiwan’s east coast

A Belize-flagged freighter has run aground on the coast of Taitung County, and authorities are preparing equipment and personnel in case of an oil spill today, Tuesday, March 8.

The 6,653 gross ton Uniprofit was en route from Yantai, China to Bahudopi, Indonesia carrying general cargo in 149 20-foot containers when it lost power off the east coast of Taiwan. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration received a report that the vessel was around one nautical mile off the coast without power and in danger of grounding at 10:28 pm last night.

The ship ran aground at the seawall of Fugang Harbor near Taitung City at 9:40 am this morning. The crew of 16, consisting of 11 Chinese nationals and 5 Indonesians are considered not to be in danger, and remain on board the vessel.

The ship is reported to be carrying 399.5 tons of oil, including 328.7 tons of heavy oil, 55.4 tons of diesel, and 15.4 tons of lubricating oil.

The National Coast Guard Administration and Maritime Ports Bureau held an emergency response meeting at 11:30 am. Authorities have informed the shipowners and ordered them to arrange towing. As there are no tugs at ports in Taitung County, tugs will have to be dispatched from ports in Hualien or Kaohsiung.

The Ocean Conservation administration is monitoring the ship and has prepared equipment and personnel in case of an oil pollution incident.

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