Read Authentic Ratings for the Houn-Maru

On September 4, 2018, extreme wind conditions, reportedly exceeding 216 kilometres per hour, played a significant role in the accident involving the crude oil tanker 'Hound Maru'. This incident occurred when the vessel, originally stationed approximately two kilometers southeast of Kansai International Airport, collided with the bridge that connects the airport to mainland Osaka. In light of the worsening weather, the Japan Coast Guard had issued warnings to vessels advising them to maintain a safe distance of at least 5.5 kilometers from the airport. The tanker had received alerts from the Osaka Bay vessel traffic service center at 1 p.m. and again at 1:45 p.m., cautioning that strong winds were pushing the vessel closer to the bridge. Despite this advice, the captain opted for a different anchorage, believing it to be a safer location; however, the vessel continued to be driven towards the bridge. Following the accident, the 'Hound Maru' sustained significant damage and was subsequently towed to a dock in Hiroshima by two tugboats. Unfortunately, experts suggest that the tanker is likely on track to be declared a constructive total loss (CTL). For further details and visuals, please refer to the full report available at Mainichi News.

On September 4, 2018, Typhoon Jebi wreaked havoc in Osaka Bay, leading to a significant maritime incident involving the tanker 'Houn Maru.' While moored in the bay, the vessel's anchor was dragged due to the severe weather conditions, sending it crashing into the 3,700-meter-long bridge that connects Kansai Airport, located on a manmade island, with the mainland around 1 p.m. Fortunately, all 11 crew members were successfully evacuated without any reported injuries. The impact caused substantial damage to both the tanker and the bridge, resulting in water ingress in the engine room of the vessel. To assist, the tugboats 'Seiyo Maru,' 'Tsurugi,' and 'Shinko Maru No. 3' were deployed as the 'Houn Maru' became lodged against the bridge, its accommodation block tangled in the structure. By September 8, the severely damaged tanker was towed to Hiroshima for further assessment. Amidst the chaos, Kansai Airport had to close its runways at noon, and the entire facility was shut down by 3 p.m. due to flooding affecting the runway and a terminal building's basement. The storm also caused extensive damage at Kobe-Osaka port, where dozens of salvage barges were swept away as their mooring ropes snapped in the powerful winds. While some personnel were on board those vessels, there were no injuries reported. Additional fallout from Typhoon Jebi included the grounding of the pusher tug 'Kyuei Maru No. 18,' which, along with its crane barge 'Tukasa,' was left stranded. Cranes at the container terminal also collapsed amid the storm. The tanker 'Kaiyu Maru No. 2,' with a deadweight tonnage of 648 dwt (IMO: 9016129), was beached nearby, adding to the emergency response efforts in the region. For more insights and visuals on this maritime disaster, check out several reports with photos and videos available online.