The Japanese product tankers Eastern Phoenix and Keihin Maru 8 collided off Kehin Port, Japan. The both ships were proceeding on crossing routes on several nautical miles off the shore, but collided after last minute maneuver and violation of ColReg rules. The product tanker Eastern Phoenix suffered slight bow damages, but remained afloat without water ingress, while the tanker Keihin Maru 8 was breached in fore port board and flooded, partially sank. All the crew from the troubled vessel were evacuated due to immediate danger of sinking. Fortunately there were no injured people during the accident.

The local authorities started salvage operation for the troubled product tanker Keihin Maru 8, which was carrying 300 tons of fuel on board. The vessel started getting water ingress from large underwater breach. Also there is oil leak from the tanker, which caused environmental pollution. The ship was surrounded by oil booms and two rescue vessel are performing water cleansing. The investigation for the accident is under way.

The product tanker Keihin Maru 8 (IMO: 9009578) has overall length of 37.50 m, depth of 4.00 m and maximum draft of 3.20 m. The deadweight of the vessel is 465 DWT and the gross tonnage is 144 GRT. The ship is owned by Japanese company Shuho Kaiun.

The tanker Eastern Phoenix (IMO: 9552692) has overall length of 97.00 m, moulded beam of 16.00 m and maximum draft of 4.50 m. The deadweight of the vessel is 5,025 DWT and the gross tonnage is 3,380 GRT.