Search and Rescue Underway After Chinese Bulker Sinks in Pearl River Collision

Feature Photo: courtesy Marinetraffic.com

Guangzhou, China – October 26, 2025

Chinese maritime authorities have launched an urgent search and rescue operation after a small Chinese-flagged bulk carrier sank in the Pearl River Estuary following a collision with the Singapore-registered containership Wan Hai A17. The incident occurred on the evening of October 25, leaving two seafarers missing.

Collision Details

According to official statements from the Guangzhou Maritime Safety Administration, the accident occurred around 8:00 PM local time. The Chinese bulker, identified as Hai Li 5, reportedly lost power while navigating the estuary and subsequently struck the Wan Hai A17, a 144,572 dwt containership operated by Wan Hai Lines.

The impact caused the Hai Li 5 to sink rapidly, prompting immediate emergency response efforts from vessels and local authorities. The Wan Hai A17 crew deployed lifebuoys, emergency signaling devices, and launched a rescue boat to assist in the recovery of the bulker’s crew.

Crew Status and Rescue Efforts

Of the 15 crew members aboard the Hai Li 5, 13 were rescued from the water. However, two remain missing, and search operations are ongoing. The Wan Hai A17, which had 23 crew members, reported no injuries and remains stable.

The Guangzhou authorities have temporarily suspended vessel traffic in the affected area to facilitate rescue operations. Divers, patrol boats, and aerial surveillance are deployed to locate the missing seafarers.

Containership Details

The Wan Hai A17 is one of the largest vessels in Wan Hai Lines’ fleet, with a capacity of 13,100 TEU. Built by Samsung Heavy Industries and delivered in August 2024, the vessel features advanced navigation and monitoring systems under the “Smart Ship Notation” certification, designed to enhance safety and operational reliability.

Following the incident, the containership has been detained and anchored in the Lingding Channel to assist with the investigation.

Wan Hai A17 – Vessel Specifications

• Vessel Type: Container Ship (Neo-Panamax / Suezmax class)
• Flag: Singapore
• IMO Number: 9968528
• Year Built: 2024
• Shipbuilder: Samsung Heavy Industries, Geoje Shipyard
• Length Overall (LOA): 335 meters
• Beam (Width): 51 meters
• Draft (Summer): 16 meters
• Deadweight Tonnage (DWT): 144,572 tonnes
• Gross Tonnage (GT): 122,045
• Container Capacity: 13,100 TEU
• Cruising Speed: 22 knots
• Classification: Smart Ship Notation (real-time monitoring of navigation and equipment)

International Response

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), as the flag state of the Wan Hai A17, has been notified and is cooperating with Chinese authorities. The MPA confirmed that no pollution has been reported and will conduct its own independent investigation into the incident.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are expected to examine several factors, including:

• The navigation protocols of both vessels
• Weather and visibility conditions
• Communication logs and black box data
• Structural integrity and damage assessments

The cause of the Hai Li 5’s power failure remains a key focus of the investigation.

Official Statements

Wan Hai Lines expressed its commitment to supporting the investigation and assisting rescue efforts. “Safety of life at sea is our highest priority,” the company stated, adding that it is working closely with Singaporean and Chinese maritime agencies.

Hai Li 5 – Vessel Specifications

• Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier (Cargo Ship)
• Flag: China
• IMO Number: 1009778704
• Length Overall (LOA): 133.0 meters
• Beam (Width): 22.0 meters
• Deadweight Tonnage (DWT): Not explicitly listed, but based on its dimensions, it likely falls within the Handysize class, typically ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 DWT.
• Draught: Approximately 4.5 meters.
• AIS Status: Last reported in the Yellow Sea, with limited recent tracking data.