Two seafarers are dead and four others are missing, after a Supramax bulk carrier owned by Japan’s third-largest shipping group Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) capsized on 22 January.
K Line said on 23 January that the crew on the Singapore-flagged „Devon Bay“ sent a distress call last night, while sailing from the Philippines to China. The 2013-built ship was carrying nickel ore. Kpler’s vessel-tracking data shows that the „Devon Bay“ had left the Philippines’ Port Matalvi around 4.10am UK time on 22 January, and was bound for China’s Yangjiang port, scheduled to arrive on 24 January.
China and the Philippines said their coast guards began rescue operations after receiving the distress call. At the time, „Devon Bay“ was reportedly listing at 25 degrees. „Devon Bay“ sank at approximately 55 nautical miles north-west of the Scarborough Reef in the South China Sea, at 1.34am UK time today.
K Line said the ship was manned by 21 Filipino seafarers. Following the rescue operation, 17 were rescued, but two died of their injuries shortly afterwards. Another crewman is in critical condition, while four others remain unaccounted for.
K Line said: “Search and rescue efforts are underway. The Philippines and China Coast Guards, and vessels in the vicinity, including our group’s fleet, are actively engaged in the ongoing response.”
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it deployed two vessels and two aircraft. It said: “The PCG Command Center acquired information from the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre that 10 of the 21 Filipino crew members were rescued by a passing China Coast Guard vessel.”
It is not known why „Devon Bay“ capsized. Iron ore fines from the Philippines, often classified as Group A cargo under the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code, present significant liquefaction risks. High moisture content will increase the load on the ship, posing capsizing risks.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said that as the flag state of the ship, it is investigating the incident and is in touch with K Line and relevant authorities. (PL)
