Burning Oil Tanker at Risk of Explosion in the East China Seas

There are increasing fears that the Sanchi, a burning oil tanker in the East China seas could explode leading to an environmental disaster about 160 miles off the coast of Shanghai

in the East China Sea. Chinese officials have told state media the Sanchi is in danger of exploding and sinking.

The Sanchia ship bearing the Panama-flag was transporting oil from Iran to South Korea at the time of the incident on Saturday 6^th January. The Sanchi collided with a Hong Kong-registered freighter CF Crystal, which in turn was transporting grain from the US, in the East China Sea.

Two days after the collision, of the 32 crew, just one body has been found with remainder remaining unaccounted for.

The Sanchia has a cargo of 136,000 tonnes (approximately 1 million barrels) of condensate, an ultra-light version of crude oil, as well as heavy shipping fuel.

Condensate is transported in gas form and liquefies when extracted, its low density means it is more explosive than regular crude oil.

There were 21 Chinese nationals on the CF Crystal who were rescued, sadly,  at this time, there are no signs of survivors from the Sanchi.

The Sanchi was built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, South Korea and launched in February 2008.

Image for illustration only