Search Ongoing for Ten Emerald Star Crew

Ten Indian seafarers are still unaccounted for following the sinking of the 57,367 dwt bulk carrier Emerald Star in the morning hours of October 13, according to data provided by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

The ship was sailing some 280 km east of the northern tip of the Philippines when it sent out a distress signal due to rough weather brought by a typhoon in the area.

At the time, there were a total of 26 seafarers on board the vessel, 16 of which were rescued by nearby ships after the 2010-built vessel sank.

There were 26 Indians on board the ship Emerald Star. Amongst them 16 have been rescued and 10 are still missing. /1

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 16, 2017

The current search and rescue operation includes a number of Japanese coast guard units as well as Indian Navy’s P81. Relevant authorities earlier said that the efforts are hampered by inclement weather at the site.

World Maritime News contacted India’s Ministry of External Affairs for an update on the search and rescue operation, however, they are yet to reply.

The Hong Kong-flagged ship was on its way from Indonesia to the port of Lianyungang in China when it encountered difficult weather conditions in the Pacific.

World Maritime News Staff