First Margaux bulk carrier collides with Chinese fishing vessel

A Panama-flagged bulk carrier, the First Margaux, collided with a Chinese fishing vessel, the Luqing Yuanyu 108, in the Singapore Strait. The incident occurred on September 17, in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

Video footage recorded from the fishing vessel shows the 229-meter bulk carrier approaching and striking the starboard quarter of the 49-meter fishing vessel. The impact caused the smaller boat to heel sharply, with water flooding its deck. Despite the severity of the collision, AIS tracking data indicates the Luqing Yuanyu 108 remained afloat and was able to reach a nearby berth.

Maritime authorities are investigating the cause of the collision. Some reports suggest the bulk carrier may have been attempting to overtake the fishing vessel, which was traveling two to three knots slower. There have been no official reports of injuries or fatalities following the encounter.