Tanker Aground in Typhoon off Taiwan

A tanker ran aground at Kaohsiung in Taiwan as a result of Typhoon Matmo on Wednesday. Authorities were able to rescue four of the crew from the Belize-registered Sheng Chang via helicopter.

Kaohsiung Port officials said there is little danger of an oil leak from the vessel, which is still grounded about 100 kilometers off the coast as it was only carrying four tons of diesel fuel.

The dangerous weather conditions are hampering efforts to inspect the damage and drain the diesel. The owners are expected to visit the ship on Thursday to formulate plans. Local media note that the locally-owned ship’s insurance has expired.

Typhoon Matmo has sustained winds of 85 miles per hour.