Pacific Spirit Marine Institute

Samsung No.1 May Have Broken Tow Ropes Before Crashing Into Hebei Spirit.

Friday, December 7, 2007

The Taipei Times is reporting loose ropes linking the Samsung No.1, owned by Samsung Heavy Industries, to it's tow may have been a contributing factor in Friday's oil spill off the coast of South Korea. The crane barge, Samsung No.1 and the Hebei Spirit collided causing the worst oil spill in South Korea's history.

The barge which had a crane onboard was on it's way to build a bridge in the western port city of Incheon, it was being towed by another vessel.

An Official with the ministry of maritime affairs and fisheries says initial investigations showed loose ropes linked to the towing vessel might have caused the accident. YonHap news is reporting the tow ropes broke in strong winds and high waves. Waves as high as 13 feet were being reported at the time of the collision.

3 small tankers have been dispatched to the listing Hebei Spirit to pump some of the remaining oil from her before it has a chance to spill. Oil is still spilling from the 3 holes on her port side the spill is threatening the white-sand beaches of one of Asia's largest wetlands. Officials fear the oil spilled could reach the coast of the Taean Maritime National Park by Sunday.

It's still unknown exactly how much crude oil has been leaked out so far.

Labels: Hebei Spirit, oil spill, oil tanker, Samsung Heavy Industries, Samsung No.1, Taean Maritime National Park