Supertyphoon Krathon severely damaged a cargo ship off the coast of Taiwan. The coast guard came to the aid of the sailors, but had great difficulty reaching the crew. The vessel ran aground and local authorities fear an oil leak.
To the shores of Taiwan Super Typhoon Krathon is approaching. The element is expected to reach the coast of the country between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning local time. In anticipation of dangerous weather, residents were evacuated from threatened areas, and over 15,000 soldiers were put on alert.
Dramatic rescue operation
Dangers from Typhoon Krathon were felt as early as Tuesday. According to the Taiwanese Coast Guard, officers rescued 19 sailors from the cargo vessel “Blue Lagoon” sailing from China to Singapore. At some point, the ship began to take on water and the engine room was flooded. The crew called for help, but due to strong winds, the rescue helicopter could not pick up the sailors. The crew managed to be transported to a safe place only by another helicopter. A recording of the action was shared on social media.
Rescue operation off the coast of TaiwanReuters/Taiwan Coast Guard
Local media reported that the bulk carrier Blue Lagoon continued to drift before running aground on Taiwan's Lan Yu island shortly after 1 p.m. local time. According to reports, crude oil was visible in the water around the ship and authorities fear a leak.
Taiwan is regularly hit by typhoons, but they usually land along the mountainous, sparsely populated eastern Pacific coast. Krathon is expected to make landfall in the southwest of the country, near Kaohsiung International Port.
Reuters, Taiwan English News
Main photo source: Reuters/Taiwan Coast Guard