Rescue workers unload containers from the CCNI Rimac near the Yangshan Deep-Water Port in Shanghai yesterday. (Photo: http://www.china.org.cn)

Reports have been received that German flag vessel CCNI RIMAC (25,703gt built 2001) has been in collision with Liberian flag vessel CSAV PETORCA (74,373gt built 2001).

The accident took place on the Yangshan waterway on 21st June. As a result 27 containers were lost overboard from CCNI RIMAC and there was some water ingress.

The Shanghai Maritime Search and Rescue Centre was asked to respond and sent tugs to the scene to assist and try to prevent pollution.

White smoke was also observed coming from CCNI RIMAC believed to be a result of reaction between sea water and a cargo of chemicals on board. The ship’s crew was evacuated.

As well as loss of and damage to cargo, it is possible that a salvage claim will be made against the owners/insurers of the cargo on board one or both of these vessels. It is also possible that general average will be declared.

Inflammable goods had reacted with water and caused the fumes (Photo: http://www.china.org.cn)

Inflammable chemicals

A container filled with inflammable chemicals has been removed from  CCNI Rimac  that collided withCSAV PETORCA , Shanghai emergency teams reported later on.

Another three containers of the chemical cargo below the deck of the CCNI Rimac are still to be taken off the ship. It was not revealed how long the process would take.

Meanwhile, city marine authorities are looking for 26 containers that fell off the CCNI Rimac following a collision with the CSAV Petorca near the Yangshan Deep-Water Port on Tuesday.

Emergency staff boarded the CCNI Rimac on Wednesday after fumes were reported in a cabin. One cabin was damaged in the collision and water had leaked in, said officials. They found that the inflammable goods had reacted with water and caused the fumes.

The crew was evacuated and the ship docked outside the port for further checks.

No one was injured in the incident, said officials. They are still monitoring for any pollution of the water caused by the accident.