The Crown-Gold: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a maritime incident on September 27, 2022, at approximately 1 a.m., the cargo vessel 'VF Glory' ran aground in the shallow waters surrounding Umashima Island, located in the Kurushima Straits near Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. The ship, which had 18 Vietnamese crew members on board, had departed from Niihama Port in the evening of September 20, and was en route to South Korea carrying no cargo. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the crew, nor were there any leaks or spills from the vessel. The local Imabari Coast Guard is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the grounding. A tugboat successfully pulled the 'VF Glory' free around midday, ensuring the ship's safe return to navigable waters. This incident highlights the complexities of maritime navigation in the area, particularly in relation to the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge on the Shimanami Kaido that spans the straits. For more detailed coverage of the incident, including photos and videos, visit the NHK news website.