Bulker Sank
Half of the crew of the 57,400 dwt Emerald Star was rescued but up to 14 Indian seafarers were still reported missing as night closed in the region.
According to MANA, The Hong Kong-flagged vessel was built in 2010 and was one of four bulkers managed by Dubai-based Stellar Ocean Transport.
Stellar’s offices were not answering calls on Friday, with callers only able to reach a pre-recorded message usually reserved for after hours.
AIS data suggests that Emerald Star loaded at the Indonesian port of Buli. The vessel was reportedly en route to China laden with nickel ore.
Iron ore, nickel ore and bauxite cargoes have been blamed for a number of tragic sinkings because of their propensity to liquefy and destabilise vessels, potentially leading to sudden capsizing.
Emerald Star is understood to have been entered in the North of England P&I Club.