‘Ghost Ship’ stranded in Myanmar waters sinks

The Indonesian-flagged ‘ghost ship’ sinks off the Thongwa Township coast. Photo - San Min Thu

The “ghost ship” that was first spotted adrift off the coast of Myanmar in August has sunk, a police official said on Tuesday.

The Indonesian-flagged MV Sam Ratulangi, sank on Monday off Thongwa township in Yangon, the official said.

Ko Aung Phyo Myint, administrator of Aung Thar Tan village tract in Thongwa, said the ship began to tilt late Monday afternoon.

“The engine room was filled with water and things were scattered everywhere. The belly of the ship was corroding. I heard that its care was later transferred to the Water Transport Department. They come frequently to measure the ship’s draught,” he said.

The cargo ship drifted into Myanmar waters on August 30. According to officials, no crew members were found aboard.

The office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services said that a Malaysian tug boat was towing the stranded ship after it broke down in Mandalay on August 23. But before it reached its destination, the chain attached to the vessel broke in rough weather and the vessel was carried by the current to its present location.
©MMTIME