Oil leak from Hato-hit ship in Hong Kong Discovery Bay sparks concerns
Salvage and clean-up efforts are under way amid fears of further spillage if stranded vessel is rocked by wave surge
Residents of Hong Kong’s Discovery Bay have raised concerns over the fate of a 2,000-tonne cargo vessel off Nim Shue Wan that was grounded three weeks ago but is now partially submerged and leaking oil into the surrounding waters.
The mainland China-owned and Togo-registered M/V Yu Hai 1 vessel has been stranded at the location since, prompting calls from worried residents for the Marine Department and contractor to speed up salvage and cleaning efforts.
Last week, the 70-metre long cargo ship began sinking. A black substance believed to be fuel oil was also seen seeping out of it and into the sea. Photos and videos of the scene have been spreading on Discovery Bay social media groups.
“Only the masts and bridge can be seen now, the rest of it is underwater. My guess is that it will be quite a difficult operation to refloat the vessel,” said Islands District councillor Amy Yung Wing-sheung, who lives in Discovery Bay and represents the constituency.
“It is worrying. There could be another typhoon coming. The danger is if the ship slams into the shore again or into the marina where other boats are berthed. Hopefully, they can speed up the process.”
Contractors from the insurance company involved have put up oil booms to contain the spill and were seen siphoning away the oil from the surface.
