 "Waves break against the protecting walls as Typhoon Gaemi approaches in Keelung, Taiwan July 24, 2024. Reuters")
A Tanzania-flagged cargo ship drowned off of Taiwan’s southern coast amid Typhoon Gaemi. The sinking of the vessel forced its nine Myanmar crew members to abandon ship, the head of Taiwan’s National Fire Agency said Thursday (July 25).
“(They) fell into the sea and were floating there (with life jackets),” AFP quoted Hsiao Huan-chang, adding that another cargo ship was called to assist them and authorities would immediately dispatch rescuers “when the weather permits” as Taiwan continues to feel the impact of Typhoon Gaemi.
The exact timing of the sinking of the ship remains unclear, as Hsiao did not clarify on this. The rescue vessel arrived in the area at 8:35 am (0035 GMT), but faced severe conditions.
“The visibility was very low and the winds were too strong,” Hsiao noted.
Rescue operations are on hold until the weather improves. Another official confirmed that sailors from the sunken ship are missing.
The storm, with peak wind speeds of 190 kilometres (118 miles) per hour, made landfall in Taiwan on Wednesday (July 24) night. Authorities said it was the strongest typhoon to hit Taiwan in eight years.
Typhoon Gaemi has forced officials to cancel parts of the island’s largest annual military drills, along with almost all domestic flights and more than 200 international flights. More than 8,000 people across the island have been temporarily relocated by local authorities, reports suggest.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe storm has already claimed two lives, including a woman crushed by falling debris.
With inputs from AFP