On June 24, 2018, the Putian Maritime Bureau launched the 2018 fire-fighting, life-saving, and oil spill drills on the large-scale passenger ferry in cooperation with the Zhongyin Ferry. The drill was simulated the collision between the “Tianfei No.10” ship and the “Meizhou No.1” ship in the waters of the route between Wenjia and Gongxia. “Meizhou No.1” ship happened fire and the tank was damaged, so it resulted in oil spill. The hull of “Tianfei No.10” ship was damaged and entered water with a risk of overturning
At 14：00, the Putian Maritime Search and Rescue Center received an alarm call. The staff of the Maritime Search and Rescue Center got in touch with the ferry company and immediately launched the emergency plan. Four sea patrol boats such as “Sea Patrol 08528”, “Harbour Drag 9” and “Haishen 11” rushed to the scene of the accident. Through years of experience in handling with dangerous situations, maritime staffs commanded the sea patrol boats to take command of rescue and water alert on the spot, tugboats to assist in extinguishing the fire, and “Haishen 11” to rescue the distressed personnel in the accident waters. Through a multi-pronged approach, mutual cooperation, they successful extinguished the fire, and rescued three drowning passengers and all abandoners on the life raft. Finally, the maritime staff coordinated the “Minfu 1” ship to deploy oil booms around the “Weizhou No.1”. The oil spill was effectively controlled. At 16:00, the drill was ended satisfactorily.
The drill was close to actual combat. All departments cooperated and tested the emergency response and disposal capabilities of all units. The Maritime Bureau will supervise and urge the vessel to strengthen the intensive training of weak links in a timely manner, and strive to enhance the emergency handling capabilities of the area.
