In a harrowing ordeal brought on by Typhoon Gaemi, a cargo ship sank off the coast of Taiwan, leaving its crew in a desperate struggle for survival. The incident highlights the extreme challenges faced by maritime crews during severe weather events and underscores the heroic efforts of those involved in the rescue operations.
Ship Sinks Amid Typhoon Gaemi
On Thursday morning, the Tanzania-flagged cargo ship Fu Shun capsized in the treacherous waters off Taiwan, caught in the full fury of Typhoon Gaemi. The storm, which made landfall on Taiwan’s island, wreaked havoc on the region, causing widespread destruction.
Key Details of the Incident:
- Time of Sinking: The ship capsized at approximately 05:45 local time (21:45 GMT Wednesday).
- Crew’s Response: Realising the severity of the situation, the nine Myanmar nationals onboard decided to jump into the sea, holding on to each other in groups.
Desperate Jump into the Sea
As the ship listed and sank, the crew’s options dwindled. With no time to launch the life raft, the nine crew members chose to jump overboard. Here’s how they managed to survive:
- Group Splitting: The crew split into two groups for survival—one of five and another of four.
- Life Jackets: Despite wearing life jackets, high waves swept away three of the jackets from one group, adding to their peril.
Rescue Operations and Survival Stories
Rescue efforts quickly became a race against time as the crew fought to survive in the turbulent waters:
- Finding Survivors: On Thursday afternoon, the Taiwanese Coast Guard announced the rescue of four Myanmar nationals, with two found by locals on a beach in Kaohsiung and the other two rescued later by the Coast Guard.
- Captain’s Body: The body of the ship’s captain was discovered around 06:55 on Friday. The other four crew members from his group remain missing.
Survivor Accounts:
- Swimmer’s Struggle: One survivor swam backwards to retrieve a waist bag containing his passport before making it to shore, describing his effort as “swimming with all his life.”
- Emotional Calls: Another survivor broke down in tears after calling his family, who had feared he was dead after seeing news reports.
Typhoon Gaemi’s Devastation
Typhoon Gaemi’s impact extended beyond the shipwreck, causing significant damage across the region:
- Storm’s Path: The typhoon caused destruction in Taiwan and the Philippines, claiming at least 21 lives. It made its second landfall in China’s Fujian province on Thursday evening.
- Evacuations and Disruptions: Nearly 300,000 people were evacuated from eastern China, and public transport was suspended as the storm’s aftermath was felt across the region.
Ongoing Search and Safety Measures
While some survivors have been rescued, the situation remains critical:
- Stranded Ships: Eight other cargo ships with 79 crew members remain stranded in the stormy waters. Efforts are underway to prevent potential oil spills and ensure the safety of the remaining crews.
- Rescue Challenges: The high waves and rough waters have complicated search and rescue operations, with ongoing efforts to locate missing individuals and provide aid.
Conclusion: A Harrowing Reminder of Maritime Dangers
The sinking of the Fu Shun during Typhoon Gaemi underscores the extreme dangers faced by maritime crews in severe weather conditions. The swift and courageous actions of the crew, alongside the dedicated rescue efforts by the Taiwanese Coast Guard, highlight both the peril and resilience in such disasters.
Photo credit: Energy Connects
