Advertisement

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

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Oil is seen leaking from a submerged cargo ship in Nim Shue Wan, Discovery Bay. Photo: Robert Lockyer/AquaMeridian

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.

Advertisement
On August 23, the small container feeder, which was not loaded at the time, drifted into the area near the Discovery Bay marina at the height of Typhoon Hato. Fierce winds and raging waves forced the vessel into a sea wall, prompting the crew to abandon ship.

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.”

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement