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2018-01-06 · East China Sea, ~160nm off Shanghai · Suezmax condensate tanker · Panama flag
The Panamanian-flagged Suezmax condensate tanker Sanchi (NITC/Bright Shipping) collided with the Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier CF Crystal in the East China Sea at 20:00 on 6 January 2018. The Sanchi caught fire almost immediately; her condensate cargo — an ultra-light hydrocarbon — burned intensely and released choking toxic fumes. The 32 crew (30 Iranian, 2 Bangladeshi) were unable to abandon ship. She burned adrift for 8 days before sinking on 14 January. All 32 crew perished; only 3 bodies were recovered. The CF Crystal escaped with damage. It is the deadliest tanker casualty since Amoco Cadiz (in terms of crew fatalities).
Sanchi is the modern case for the extreme fire risk of ultra-light condensate cargoes + the compressed timeline for abandonment when fire propagates through the cargo deck. Every product/chemical tanker officer studies it as the reminder that condensate is not diesel — it flashes at ambient temperatures and cannot be fought with water or foam alone. Sanchi also became the case for AIS-based collision-cause investigation post-casualty.
Cited in IMO MSC discussions of collision avoidance in fog + AIS reliance. Reinforced STCW watch-keeping obligations under IMO A.1071(28). Drove Chinese Maritime Search + Rescue reform.