Curiosity
ship on fire in antarctica: 97 People On Burning Chinese Ship
ship on fire in antarctica: 97 People On Burning Chinese Ship
A fire that broke out aboard a Chinese fishing vessel off the coast of Antarctica caused 97 people to abandon ship. They were picked up by a Norwegian ship as a military tugboat dispatched by Chile headed toward the disabled vessel.
The Chilean rescuers are hoping to prevent the burning Chinese ship from breaking apart as it comes closer to very sharp glaciers in the region which could prove to be devastating for the local environment. The disabled vessel, the Kai Xin, is now drifting in a zig-zag pattern and is totally unmanned, increasing the risk it could break apart and leak dangerous oil into the pristine ocean waters.
Heavy fog in the region was preventing the Chilean Air Force from getting an overhead view of what was happening with the burning vessel.
The best they can do at this point is to have a tugboat intercept the circling ship in order to prevent the catastrophe of an oil spill. So far, Chilean officials say that the Kai Xin is holding together in one piece, with the fire concentrated in the area of the engine room.
Officials believe that there is no danger of the boat sinking further into the water at this time.
On The Web:
Chile rushes to aid ship in Antarctica after fire
http://news.msn.com/world/chile-rushes-to-aid-ship-in-antarctica-after-fire?ocid=ansnews11
Chile rushes to aid ship in Antarctica after fire
http://news.yahoo.com/chile-rushes-aid-ship-antarctica-fire-172916529.html