Outrageous Fire on the Sanchi: A Tale of Sailing Drama
Picture this: a blaze of epic proportions lighting up the sky off the coast of China. An Iranian tanker, the Sanchi, was set on fire after a fateful collision, and the chaos that followed could only be described as maritime mayhem.
What Happened?
- Location: 160 nautical miles east of Shanghai, on a slick summer evening.
- Ships involved: The 274‑metre, Panama‑flagged Sanchi carrying 136,000 tonnes of light oil, and the Hongkong‑flagged cargo ship CF Crystal, which was hauling 64,000 tonnes of grain.
- Result: Fire erupted, thick black smoke floated over the sea, and the vessel threatened to explode or sink.
- People on board: 30 Iranians and 2 Bangladeshi crew members – none survived.
What’s the Scene Like?
Even 36 hours after the disaster, flames still licked the hull, filling the air with toxic clouds that put rescuers at risk. The seas were choked with thick smoke, making it hard to see more than a few feet ahead.
Rescue Efforts
- About ten government vessels plus a fleet of fishing vessels have been glued to the site, trying to salvage what they can.
- A South Korean coast guard ship was also on standby, ready to lend a hand.
- Even a U.S. Navy aircraft swooped in, searching tirelessly over a vast area before heading back to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa.
Who’s Behind the Ship?
“The tanker’s owner is the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC). It was sailing to South Korea’s Hanwha Total with its cargo insured,” said Iran’s Petroleum Ministry. The tragedy marks the second hit in fewer than two years for an NITC‑owned vessel.
History Lesson
Back in 2016, an Iranian supertanker and a container ship collided in the Singapore Strait. While both ships incurred damage, there were no injuries or environmental spills. This latest incident is a sobering reminder of the thin line between routine sailing and catastrophic disaster.
So, the next time you think “ships are just big boxes of freight,” remember that a single misstep can turn a seaworthy vessel into a blazing nightmare. Stay safe, stay aware, and hey—maybe next time we’ll see less fire and more maritime trivia!
