A Chinese bulk carrier that on February 23rd was holed by ice off Russia’s Sakhalin island, has sunk. The forepeak of the Yong Xing 56 (IMO 9493494) was breached over the weekend, with the bow of the ship becoming submerged. The vessel, carrying 29,000 tons of alumnia, sank in waters of around 250 metres depth.
The 21 Chinese crew on the vessel had been evacuated safely. Chinese consular staff were now working to get them repatriated.
According to reports the salvors took ship out of ice zone in order to facilitate access to the breach. The weather at the time seemed relatively calm. Apparently the breach was not sealed and pumping water out of the flooded compartments failed to prevent the vessel going under.
The Yong Xing 56 had issued a distress signal during the evening of February 23rd at anchorage in Tatar Strait south of Vanino, the ship’s port of destination.
2008-built, China-flagged, 20,712 gt Yong Xing 56 is owned and managed by Ningbo Rongzheng Shipping Co of Ningbo, Zhejiang, China. ISM manager is Seacon Ningbo Co Ltd of Ningbo, Zhejiang, China. It is entered with UK Club on behalf of Ningbo Rongzheng Shipping Co., Ltd.