KUALA LUMPUR – At least eight people died after being rescued from a South Korean chemical tanker that capsized off Japan’s southwestern coast.
They were pronounced dead at a hospital, while two others are missing and one survived, a spokesman told AFP.
The tanker had 11 people on board, including two South Koreans, eight Indonesians and one Chinese, as well as carrying 980 tonnes of acrylic acid.
So far, there are no reports that the chemicals have leaked into the sea.
The crew had notified the coast guard earlier that the vessel was tilting and radioed for help.
The Japan coast guard received an emergency call at 6am.
Japan will be seeing high waves and heavy snow in the coming days.
The search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing, with patrol boats, navy vessels, and aircraft deployed to the site. – March 20, 2024