Sanchi Tanker Disaster: The Collision, Inferno, and Sinking of the MT Sanchi (2018)

Sanchi Tanker Disaster: The Collision, Inferno, and Sinking of the MT Sanchi (2018)

​On January 6, 2018, the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker MT Sanchi collided with the Hong Kong-registered bulk carrier CF Crystal in the East China Sea, approximately 160 nautical miles (300 km) off the coast of Shanghai. This collision resulted in one of the worst oil-ship disasters in decades.

​What Happened:
The Sanchi was carrying a full cargo of 136,000 tonnes of natural gas condensate, a highly flammable and toxic ultra-light crude oil. The impact of the collision breached the tanker's cargo tanks, causing a massive fire and subsequent explosions.

​Timeline of a Tragedy:
​January 6, 2018: The collision occurs, and the Sanchi erupts into a fiery inferno. All 21 crew members on the CF Crystal were rescued.
​Over the next 8 days: Rescue and firefighting efforts are hampered by strong winds, high waves, and toxic fumes. The tanker drifts, engulfed in flames.

​January 14, 2018: The Sanchi suffers a major explosion and sinks. Tragically, all 32 crew members on board the tanker (30 Iranians and 2 Bangladeshis) perished in the disaster.

​Environmental Impact:
The sinking of the Sanchi released its deadly cargo into the ocean, creating massive oil slicks. While much of the light condensate was expected to evaporate, the spill and the vessel's bunker fuel caused significant pollution in an active fishing area, posing a grave threat to marine life.

​Learn more about this catastrophic maritime accident, the failed rescue attempts, and the lasting environmental and human toll.

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