The grounding of a Chinese boxship off Japan last year was caused by its rudder falling off, an accident report has revealed.
The Japan Transport Safety Board said the 9,700-gt Song Cheng (built 1987) had crossed the path of another ship in the Kanmon Strait when the incident occurred on 28 July.
The board said it had “never before heard of” an accident caused by a rudder falling off.
As the Shanghai Ocean Shipping ship proceeded along the waterway's right lane, a loud sound was heard onboard, consistent with a rudder falling off, the report said.
Steering
