One of Yang Ming Marine Transport’s container ships ran aground as it attempted to berth in Taiwan’s Keelung port on the night of 11 December.
The 2013-built, 8,626 TEU YM Unicorn had somehow deviated from its course, running aground in front of a lighthouse just before midnight local time. YM Unicorn, which plies the Transpacific route, had arrived from Kaohsiung and attempted to berth.
Keelung Port Traffic Control Center reported that YM Unicorn deviated from the waterway at the red lighthouse in Dikou when it entered the port. It immediately dispatched three tugs to help the ship leave the area.
However, at 3.21 am local time this morning (12 December), YM Unicorn was confirmed to have been grounded in front of the lighthouse. Other port personnel boarded the ship to assist the pilot in assessing the situation and subsequently, another four tugs were sent to provide further help.
The pilot discovered that the forepeak tank on YM Unicorn was damaged, causing water ingress, and the tugs continued to bring the ship back into the water.
It took nearly 20 minutes to bring YM Unicorn back into the water, enabling the ship to enter the embankment, and it was successfully berthed at Keelung West No. 19 pier at 4.35 am local time. None of the ship’s crewmen was reported to be injured.
The cause of the accident is being investigated and Yang Ming will handle all other related matters pertaining to the repairs, compensation and any shipping delays. YM Unicorn was supposed to have sailed on to Los Angeles after Keelung.
Alison Koo
Asia Correspondent
