Date of Incident: June 18, 2024
Time of Incident: Approximately 10:40 AM Local Time
Location: Offshore waters near Macau, China
1. Vessels Involved:
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Passenger Ferry: The PING AN 2 (平安2). This ferry has a passenger capacity of 30 individuals and was operating a scheduled service from the Wanzai port in Zhuhai, China, towards the Hong Kong Islands.
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Submersible Vessel: The ZHENLONG LANYU 3 YAO (振龙蓝鱼3号). This is a submersible craft used for underwater research, exploration, and environmental protection observation. It has a significantly larger capacity, able to carry up to 130 people, suggesting it may be used for tourist sightseeing or scientific missions.
2. Summary of the Incident:
A significant maritime collision occurred between the passenger ferry PING AN 2 and the submersible ZHENLONG LANYU 3 YAO. The incident happened when the submersible was surfacing from an underwater operation. According to initial reports, the submersible did not provide prior warning or signal its surfacing maneuver, preventing the ferry’s crew from seeing it and taking evasive action in time. This resulted in a direct collision between the two vessels in open water.
3. Consequences and Damage:
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Passenger Ferry (PING AN 2): The ferry sustained significant structural damage from the impact. Fortunately, all 29 people on board (including passengers and crew) were successfully rescued with no reported serious injuries. Due to the extent of the damage, the vessel had to be towed to a safe port for further inspection and repairs.
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Submersible (ZHENLONG LANYU 3 YAO): The submersible did not suffer major damage and remained operational following the collision. There were no reports of injuries to its crew or passengers.
4. Response and Investigation:
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Emergency Response: Maritime emergency services were dispatched immediately to the scene. Their primary focus was on search and rescue operations to ensure the safety of all individuals from the ferry, which was successfully accomplished.
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Official Investigation: The Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has launched a full investigation into the cause of the collision. The investigation will likely examine communication logs, operational procedures of the submersible, witness statements, and data from navigational equipment to determine liability and prevent future occurrences.
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Safety Measures: Navigation in the area was managed closely following the incident. This event underscores the critical importance of strict communication protocols and heightened vigilance for all vessels, especially when operating in shared waterways with specialized craft like submersibles.
