Januaury 6, a tanker, Sanchi carrying 136, 000 tons (1 million barrels) of condensate oil sunk in one of China’s most sensitive waters. Off the coast of Shanghai, the Iranian oil tanker burnt to flames in China’s fishing waters, polluting the East China seas. 32 sailors were on board and only 3 bodies have been recovered. The colourless oil has drifted off in various directions as the winds and water currents are pushing it further, making it hard to determine how much was actually spilled.
Condensate oil, unlike black crude oil is soluble, less easy to separate and is toxic. This can leave long lasting effects when come in contact with skin and marine life.
The cause of the collision with another ship carrying grain is unknown. However, the question was whether to save the crew and ensure most survived or let as much oil burn off to prevent more oil spilling, polluting the sea. Now what ended up happening was that most of the sailors died and the not all of the oil burned off before the ship sunk. So basically, a bit of both. Though, the Chinese are doing their best to try to save the crew if they are still alive that is.
Many have criticised the approach of the Chinese, some believing that they should have done as much as they could to save the 32 crew on board. Others thought it was better to burn off all the oil to reduce the environmental impacts. Either way there was no best way to approach it and one of them had to give.
Thanks for stopping by, what are you thoughts on this matter. Do you think they should have burnt off all the oil, leaving the crew definitely dead or should they have save the crew members knowing that the oil spilled in the sunken ship would spread further, causing major environmental impacts to the most important fishing waters in China? Leave your thoughts in the comments.