China’s 4000-Ton Ship ‘Sinks’ During Military Drills Around Taiwan; Comes After Drone Mishap Near Philippines

0
2K

A 4,000-ton Chinese offshore supply ship, the “Lianhe Qirui,” has sunk in the East China Sea, announced the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) on May 24. The news came on the same day China concluded its two-day large-scale military exercise surrounding Taiwan. 

According to the China MSA, the vessel sank near coordinates 30 degrees 44.65 minutes north latitude and 122 degrees 31.59 minutes east longitude, close to the northeastern part of Zhoushan, Zhejiang.

China’s “Xinde Maritime Network” reported that satellite AIS trajectory data showed the tugboat was originally headed for Zhoushan, Zhejiang. The ship was sailing south at about 13 knots before it turned abruptly at 7:02 am on May 24 and slowed down. By 8:05 am, the ship had completely lost its Automatic identification system (AIS) signal.

The cause of the sinking remains undisclosed, and the China MSA has not yet released the results of any investigation.

AfriPrime App link:   Absolutely risk free and FREE for download...

https://www.amazon.com/Africircle-AfriPrime/dp/B0D2M3F2JT

However, the incident’s timing, coinciding with China’s military exercises around Taiwan, has led to widespread speculation online. Despite the sinking occurring outside the military exercise zone, netizens have been quick to draw connections.

The website of the China Maritime Safety Administration pointed out on the morning of the 24th that the "United Qirui" sank in the East China Sea, located at 30 degrees 44.65 minutes north latitude and 122 degrees 31.59 minutes east longitude. Photo: Retrieved from the website of the China Maritime Safety Administration

The website of the China Maritime Safety Administration pointed out on the morning of the 24th that the “United Qirui” sank in the East China Sea, located at 30 degrees 44.65 minutes north latitude and 122 degrees 31.59 minutes east longitude. Photo: Retrieved from the website of the China Maritime Safety Administration

Comments suggested various theories, with some wondering if a missile had hit the vessel, while others humorously remarked on the coincidence of the military exercises impacting both the stock market and the ship.

Meanwhile, this incident follows closely on the heels of another maritime mishap. Days earlier, a Chinese drone crashed in waters between Taiwan and the Philippines.

On May 22, the China MSA issued a brief notice about the incident, stating that a 4-meter (13-foot) ocean survey drone had crashed into the sea earlier this month. The administration did not specify the exact date.

According to the official statement, the drone was conducting an ecological survey when it went down. The drone was equipped with environmental monitoring and geomagnetic survey instruments, suggesting that its primary role was to gather data on the surface and seabed.

 Photo: Retrieved from the website of "Ship News".

Retrieved from the website of “Ship News”.

The crash site was approximately 145 km (90 miles) from Taiwan and about 100 km from the Bashi Channel, a key navigation route between Taiwan and the Philippines. The maritime administration even urged ships nearby to search for the drone’s debris.

These incidents have occurred amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, where both sides—China and Taiwan—are ramping up their military presence and conducting regular exercises.

Details About The “Lianhe Qirui”

The “Lianhe Qirui” is owned by Fujian United Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. According to information on the company’s website, the vessel weighed 4,463 tons and measured approximately 85 meters in length. The vessel had a horsepower of 23,500.

The vessel, constructed in Norway on August 23, 2002, was known for its maneuverability. It was ideal for operations on deep-sea offshore platforms and salvage missions in deep-water environments.

Equipped with four engines generating a combined power of 4320 kW, the vessel had the potential for efficient operation. It could utilize either two main engines producing 11,750 horsepower or three main engines generating 17,625 horsepower. This setup ensured optimal resource utilization and cost savings as per operational demands.

AfriPrime App link:   Absolutely risk free and FREE for download...

https://www.amazon.com/Africircle-AfriPrime/dp/B0D2M3F2JT

The ship boasted a dedicated large-capacity recovery anchor chain storage cabin, equipped with state-of-the-art gear specifically designed for the one-time retrieval of anchor chains on deep-sea offshore platforms. This capability was designed to facilitate the towing and relocation of offshore platforms, enhancing operational efficiency.

Further, the vessel was equipped with a sewage oil recovery tank and corresponding equipment, enabling swift response to oil pollution emergencies at sea.

With a bollard towing capacity ranging from 251 to 263 tons, depending on configuration, the vessel was equipped for large-scale marine towing operations across unlimited navigation areas. Additionally, it demonstrated proficiency in shallow-water anchoring at depths of up to 2000 meters.

The sinking of the tugboat Lianhe Qirui, weighing over 4 tons, coinciding with the PLA military exercise, has sparked speculation on the Chinese internet. (Source: Fujian United Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd.)

At its stern, the vessel featured a detachable A-frame with a Safe Working Load (SWL) of 250 tons, enabling the lifting of underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and saturation diving bells.

This feature helped the vessel to undertake deep-sea diving and salvage operations, as well as the installation and maintenance of complex underwater production systems.

Additionally, the “Lianhe Qirui” was equipped with a reserved external fire protection system to ensure swift enhancement as per operational requirements.

AfriPrime App link:   Absolutely risk free and FREE for download...

https://www.amazon.com/Africircle-AfriPrime/dp/B0D2M3F2JT

Sponsored
Search
Sponsored
Categories
Read More
Networking
Data Science Platform Market Size 2023-2030 Worldwide Industrial Analysis by Growth, Trends
Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the data science platform market which was USD...
By Manth18 2023-08-21 08:40:13 0 6K
Other
Buy Black Pepper Online – Farm Fresh Quality Delivered
Black pepper, often hailed as the "King of Spices," has been a staple in kitchens around the...
By royalagri 2025-04-22 10:02:36 0 2K
Health
Cough Assist Devices Market : Trends, Opportunities, and Growth
The world class Global Cough Assist Devices Market business report contains thorough...
By kavyab 2023-06-21 06:59:23 0 4K
Other
출자마사지로 몸의 에너지를 끌어올리는 방법
출자마사지란 기업이나 투자자들이 자본을 출자마사지 투입하거나 조정하는 과정에서 발생할 수 있는 여러 가지 복잡한 문제를 해결하고 최적화하는 전략적인 방법을 의미합니다. 이...
By liamhenry9 2024-11-27 03:05:21 0 2K
Home
Live in Luxury with Godrej Meridien’s 2, 3 & 4 BHK Residences in Sector 106, Gurugram – From 2.11 Cr
Godrej Meridien, located in the prestigious Sector 106, Gurugram, offers a blend of luxury,...
By jyotisinghal 2024-12-27 10:18:58 0 2K
Sponsored
google-site-verification: google037b30823fc02426.html