OREANDA-NEWS. On 7 May 2016, at 19.13 hours CET (01.13 hours local time), Maersk Line was contacted by “Safmarine Meru”, a Maersk Line owned container vessel. En route from Qingdao to Ningbo in China, the Safmarine Meru had collided with the “Northen Jasper, a German-owned container vessel. The collision took place around 120 nautical miles East of Ningbo. The collision caused severe damage to the Safmarine Meru and a fire broke out. The Safmarine Meru’s crew of 22 people abandoned the vessel shortly after.

At approximately 22.30 hours CET (4.30 hours local time) same day, Maersk Line received confirmation that all crew were safe, sound, and accounted for on board the container vessel “Northern Jasper”. The transfer of the crew from the “Northern Jasper” to shore is on-going and when on shore the crew will be provided with medical support and crisis counselling in the extent it is required.

“We are very relieved that our crew are safe and have not suffered any serious injuries. The safety of our people, at sea and on shore, is paramount to us,” says Palle Brodsgaard Laursen, Head of Ship Management in Maersk Line.

Safmarine Meru is afloat and anchored. Firefighting was initiated Sunday morning local time. While there is no visible fire, there is smoke and firefighting continues. The Chinese authorities are on the scene and Maersk Line is cooperating with same.

“It is too early to comment on the circumstances surrounding the collision and fire. Our focus now is to put the fire out and get access to the vessel to assess damage to the vessel and cargo,” concludes Palle Brodsgaard Laursen.

Customers with cargo on board the Safmarine Meru will be contacted directly.

Safmarine Meru is a 4,650 TEU container vessel, built in 2006 and sails under the Hong Kong flag. At the time of the collision, Safmarine Meru had less than 400 full containers on board and was deployed on Maersk Line’s TP18 service.