On December 31, two mariners were reported missing after a huge blaze erupted onboard a car carrier enroute to Hawaii.
What happened?
A 650-foot Panamanian-flagged vessel ‘Sincerity Ace’ ran into trouble on New Year’s Eve about 2,000 miles off Oahu. The Coast Guard, Navy, and commercial vessel in the vicinity were alerted about the incident who rushed to the scene to rescue 16 crew members onboard the vessel.
Two reported missing
Three crew members were spotted in the water while two were reported missing. An extensive search has been initiated for 6,700-square miles to rescue the missing crew members.
The Coast Guard said, “The three members are unresponsive and unable to grab onto life-saving equipment to be brought aboard”.
Lt. Duane Zitta, of Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu, said: “We are thankful for the assistance the crews of these merchant’s vessels have given us during this event significantly reducing possible response time. Their quick actions provided for the rescue of 16 members of the crew who would otherwise still be in the water and are continuing to aid us”.
Investigation initiated
The reason for the fire has not yet been determined and an investigation has been initiated to determine the sequence of events. Moreover, plans to salvage the vessel are being drawn up by the concerned officials.
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Source: Hawaii News Now
