Bulk carrier sprung a leak in the Tatar Strait

The Chinese bulk carrier Yong Xing 56 has sprung a leak south of Vanino in the Tatar Strait, and the ship's 21-man crew has left the ship. It is unclear whether the leak is due to pressure from the ice, or a collision with another ship.

The 180-meter-long bulk carrier, which has a tonnage of 33,160 DWT, was en route from Huanghua in China to Vanino when water began to enter hold number 1. The crew alerted the

Russian authorities and the crew were evacuated to the ferry shortly afterward Sakhalin-8, which brought the bulk carrier's Chinese crew to Vanino safe and sound.

It is not known whether the Yong Xing 56, sailing in ballast, is in danger of sinking, but a tugboat is on its way to the position, according to Russian media.