Burmese Sailor only death in Korean tanker sinking

18 October 2022
Burmese Sailor only death in Korean tanker sinking

A Burmese sailor was the only fatality when a South Korean tanker sank in the Taiwan Strait on the morning of 15 October.

19 of the 20 sailors on board the Kelsey 2 tanker, which was operated by South Korea’s WOOSHIN Marine, were saved and survived, but Ko Tin Maung Oo, the Burmese Chief officer, died, according to a local news report.

According to a report by Maritime Bulletin, the ship was carrying a 7,500 ton cargo of oil and chemicals.

The Maritime Bulletin report said that according to preliminary investigations the crew reported that water had infiltrated the aft (rear) section, more than likely the engine room. On 14 October, following engine problems, the ship reduced speed but continued on its journey before it sank on 15 October as a result of water entering the engine room.