The 821 foot long. 24460 dwt logistics US Naval Vessel Sgt. Matej Kocak ran aground offf Uruma, Okinawa. The container vessel stranded on a coral reef and was unable to refloat itself on the following high tide. Tugs were dispatched to help stabilized the vessel. No reports of injuries to the 131 persons on board. Reports state the vesssel hull had no damage and no pollution was released.
The 12703 gt reefer Ming Yang caught fire near Okinawa, Japan. The vessel had suffered an explosion from the main engine resulting starting the fire. The crew were forced to seek shelter in the bow section as the stern became engulf in thick smoke. Some 21 crew were able to escape into a life raft while the remaining 43 awaited on deck. The Japan Coast Guard responded sending patrol vessels and aircraft to the scene. All the crew were safely rescued with three suffering minor injuries. Reports state the vessel was en route to China from South America. The owners of Ming Yang have arranged salvage of the vessel.
The 73 ton fishing vessel Hsiehyi No. 6 has gone missing since last making contact on September 8, 2011. The Hsiehyi No. 6 was last reported fishing some 350 miles southeast off Okinawa, Japan. Typically, the fishing vessel would contact the owners once per week. A strong typhoon in the area has prevented any search by authorities to be conducted. Owners have contacted other fishing vessels in the area to conduct a search for the missing vessel. The Hsiehyi No. 6 was reported to have eight men on board.
