The South Korean petrochemical tanker Phoenix ran aground early on 6 March near Ogijima Island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea.
According to initial reports, the vessel—carrying around 2,500 tonnes of kerosene—was located about 100 metres west of the island’s lighthouse at approximately 1:36 a.m. local time when it became stranded off the northwestern tip of the island.
Local maritime authorities responded quickly and dispatched the patrol vessel Kurinami to assess the situation. During the inspection, officials found that the tanker had developed a slight port list, but there were no signs of flooding and no kerosene leak into the sea.
The refloating operation continued through the night, and shortly after midnight on 7 March, the tanker was successfully pulled free by the tug Kagawa Maru and towed to the port of Takamatsu.
All 15 crew members on board were reported safe and unharmed, including two South Korean nationals, six Myanmar nationals, and seven Indonesians. Authorities also confirmed that no environmental pollution was observed as a result of the incident.
