Taiwan Coast Guard Rescues Crew from Stranded Bulk Carrier

Nineteen crew members aboard the bulk carrier Blue Lagoon were saved by the Taiwan Coast Guard after their ship began taking on water near Taiwan's coast. The vessel, located approximately 18 miles southwest of Orchid Island, experienced engine room flooding, prompting the crew to abandon ship.

The Coast Guard first received a distress call about the incident from Keelung Coast Radio on October 1 at 4:28 AM local time. Swiftly responding, the authorities deployed a Kaohsiung-based rescue ship and a helicopter to assist the crew.

By 6:44 AM, the helicopter reached the scene, but severe weather conditions caused by Typhoon Santauer delayed the evacuation efforts. Later in the morning, around 10:30 AM, a second helicopter arrived, and all crew members were successfully rescued by noon. Among the rescued were seven Ukrainian, nine Egyptian, and three Russian nationals.

The Blue Lagoon, flying the Barbados flag, ran aground off Orchid Island. The vessel was carrying 67,500 tons of ore and 266 tons of diesel and low-sulfur fuel. Authorities are now closely monitoring the stranded ship.