Japanese roro vessel Byakko sank early Friday after colliding with Korean chemical tanker Ulsan Pioneer off Ehime Prefecture, western Japan. Three of the 12 crewmembers are lacking, together with the captain.
Based on the Imabari Coast Guard Workplace, the incident was reported round 23.55 hrs native time on Thursday.
The 2020-built Byakko sank at round 2.45 hrs native time on Friday. Owned by Hokusei Kaiun, the ship was en route from Kobe to Kanda in Fukuoka Prefecture.
Search and rescue is underway for the lacking crew as of 14.00 hrs native time. The 9 rescued had been picked up by a coast guard patrol vessel and a close-by container vessel.
The chemical tanker, owned by South Korea’s Heung-A Transport, sustained injury to its bow however stays afloat. The crew of 13 have been reported secure, the coast guard added.