A South Korean chemical tanker capsized off the coast of southwestern Japan early Wednesday, March 20, leading to the deaths of eight people. The incident involved the Keoyoung Sun, which encountered severe weather near Mutsure Island, located about 620 miles from Tokyo.
The Japan Coast Guard disclosed that it received an emergency distress signal from the vessel, which reported difficulty in maintaining stability due to the adverse weather. By the time the rescue teams arrived, they found the tanker overturned, with its hull visible above the waterline.
The vessel had 11 crew members on board. Authorities have since accounted for nine, including one survivor, an Indonesian national. Efforts to find the remaining two crew are ongoing.
En route from Himeji, Japan to Ulsan, South Korea, the Keoyoung Sun was transporting about 980 tons of acrylic acid, a chemical used in the manufacture of adhesives, paints, and polishes. Despite the corrosive nature of the cargo, no leakage has been reported so far. Authorities are assessing the situation to determine the need for environmental protection measures in the event of future leakage.
The crew consisted of people from several nations, including a South Korean captain, another South Korean national, a Chinese national, and eight Indonesians.
In response to the incident, South Korean officials, under the leadership of Vice Foreign Minister Kang Insun, convened to strategize on the rescue operations and to extend support to the families of the South Korean crew members. The ministry emphasized the mobilization of resources to aid in the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
The cause of the capsize remains under investigation.
The potential environmental impact of the accident, especially of the tanker’s acrylic acid cargo, is a significant concern. Acrylic acid can cause severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. While there has been no leakage detected, the authorities are prepared to implement containment and cleanup measures if necessary.
Rescue operations have involved coast guard ships and helicopters.
As the investigation continues and rescue efforts persist, the focus remains on the well-being of the missing crew members and the prevention of any environmental damage from the ship’s cargo.
