400 years ago on Wednesday, 102 pilgrims boarded the Mayflower in Plymouth, England, and sailed to a new life in America. Adrian Vinken, chairman of the Mayflower 400 National Compact, described the trip as "arguably the most influential sea voyage in global maritime history".

Plymouth prepares for 400th Mayflower anniversary

Sareno Edvardo is the only survivor from the ship that sunk off the&nbsp;coast of Japan. One of his mates is dead, 41 others are still missing at sea. The crew of 43 had 39 people from the Philippines, two are from New Zealand and&nbsp;two from Australia.

Their ship sunk off the coast of Japan in the East China sea.&nbsp;It was sailing from New Zealand to China carrying 6,000 cattle. Now, thousands of dead cows are floating at sea. and it is not clear when the cargo container went down.

It sent a distress signal as typhoon maysak struck with strong winds on September 02.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/search-for-ship-survivors-on-as-typhoon-haishen-nears-japan-325178">Also read:&nbsp;Search for ship survivors on as Typhoon Haishen nears Japan</a>

The rescued filippino crew member,&nbsp;Sareno Edvardo, says the ship stalled when one of the engines stopped working. It capsized after being hit by a powerful broadside wave and eventually sank to the bottom of the ocean.

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This is not the first time a livestock ship has capsized.

Over the last decade, at least six livestock carriers have gone down. All these ships had mechanical failures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-coast-guard-rescues-captain-crew-member-from-burning-oil-tanker-off-sl-coast-325230">Also read:&nbsp;Indian Coast Guard rescues captain, crew member from burning oil tanker off SL Coast</a>

In 2009, a cargo ship carrying 82 crew members and 43,000 cattle sank close to the lebanese coast. The ship overturned in stormy weather. It was transporting cattle from Uruguay to Syria. A total of&nbsp;39 crew members were rescued, and others were presumed dead. Most of the cattle drowned in the sea.

In 2015, a ship enroute from Somalia to the United Arab Emirates went down in the Gulf of Aden. Nearly&nbsp;29 crew members were rescued, but two remained missing and 3,000 animals on board perished at sea.

In the same year, 5,000 cows fell into the ocean off the coast of Brazil. This occured after a lebanese ship docked at Vila do Conde&nbsp;port capsized. All the crew members were safely rescued,&nbsp;the cows drowned and many washed up on the shores of the port.

In November last year, a livestock carrier with 14,000 sheep sunk near a port in Romania. All 20 Syrian crew members were rescued. Around 30 sheep were found swimming in the ocean, but most of the livestock went down with the ship.

Shipping livestock on the high seas is a high-risk trade. All those on board, the crew and animals are at the mercy of nature, be it heat, storms or high seas.

Despite the dangers and the tragedies, hundreds of ships sail each day with a defenseless crew and thousands of vulnerable animals on board.

Sareno Edvardo is the only survivor from the ship that sunk off the coast of Japan. One of his mates is dead, 41 others are still missing at sea. The crew of 43 had 39 people from the Philippines, two are from New Zealand and two from Australia.

Sareno Edvardo is the only survivor from the ship that sunk off the coast of Japan. One of his mates is dead, 41 others are still missing at sea. The crew of 43 had 39 people from the Philippines, two are from New Zealand and two from Australia. Their ship sunk off the coast of Japan in the East China sea. It was sailing from New Zealand to China carrying 6,000 cattle. Now, thousands of dead cows are floating at sea. and it is not clear when the cargo container went down. It sent a distress signal as typhoon maysak struck with strong winds on September 02. Also read: Search for ship survivors on as Typhoon Haishen nears Japan The rescued filippino crew member, Sareno Edvardo, says the ship stalled when one of the engines stopped working. It capsized after being hit by a powerful broadside wave and eventually sank to the bottom of the ocean. × This is not the first time a livestock ship has capsized. Over the last decade, at least six livestock carriers have gone down. All these ships had mechanical failures. Also read: Indian Coast Guard rescues captain, crew member from burning oil tanker off SL Coast In 2009, a cargo ship carrying 82 crew members and 43,000 cattle sank close to the lebanese coast. The ship overturned in stormy weather. It was transporting cattle from Uruguay to Syria. A total of 39 crew members were rescued, and others were presumed dead. Most of the cattle drowned in the sea. In 2015, a ship enroute from Somalia to the United Arab Emirates went down in the Gulf of Aden. Nearly 29 crew members were rescued, but two remained missing and 3,000 animals on board perished at sea. In the same year, 5,000 cows fell into the ocean off the coast of Brazil. This occured after a lebanese ship docked at Vila do Conde port capsized. All the crew members were safely rescued, the cows drowned and many washed up on the shores of the port. In November last year, a livestock carrier with 14,000 sheep sunk near a port in Romania. All 20 Syrian crew members were rescued. Around 30 sheep were found swimming in the ocean, but most of the livestock went down with the ship. Shipping livestock on the high seas is a high-risk trade. All those on board, the crew and animals are at the mercy of nature, be it heat, storms or high seas. Despite the dangers and the tragedies, hundreds of ships sail each day with a defenseless crew and thousands of vulnerable animals on board.

One sailor survives sinking ship off the coast of Japan; search operation continues

Mauritian authorities on Tuesday arrested the Indian captain of a Japanese-owned shipwrecked off the island nation's coast, spewing tonnes of oil into pristine waters, police said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-india-rushes-aid-to-mauritius-oil-spill-causes-poisonous-shock-to-marine-life-321317">Also read | As India rushes aid to Mauritius, oil spill causes 'poisonous shock' to marine life</a> 
 
The MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef on July 25 and began oozing oil more than a week later, spilling more than 1,000 tonnes into blue waters popular among honeymooners and tourists.

Officials have yet to reveal why the ship, which was making its way from Singapore to Brazil, had come so close to the island, which is now reeling from ecological disaster.

"We arrested the captain and his second-in-command today. They were taken to court on a provisionary charge. The investigation continues from tomorrow with the interrogation of other crew members," said spokesman Inspector Shiva Coothen.

The captain, an Indian citizen, and his deputy, who is Sri Lankan, were charged under the piracy and maritime violence act and will reappear in court on August 25.

Salvage crews managed to pump some 3,000 tonnes of fuel off the bulk carrier before it split in two on Sunday, preventing a much larger environmental catastrophe.

On Tuesday they began towing the larger of the two pieces of the Wakashio out into the open ocean where it is to be sunk. The part containing the engine room remains wedged on the coral reef.

‘Delicate operation'

"We are engaged in a delicate operation," maritime operations director Alain Donat told AFP.

"We want to take advantage of high tide to pull it little by little. This part of the boat is 225 metres long and 50 metres wide."

He said the vessel would be tugged almost 15 kilometres (nine miles) away from the coral reef and sunk.

The decision to sink the boat was taken on Monday in consultation with French experts who have been sent to assist Mauritius.

"Since oil has been largely removed and the amount of the remaining oil is small, the impact of the operation on the environment is expected to be limited," said an official from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, part of a team that is also helping Mauritius in the wake of the disaster.

Japan announced Monday it was sending a second team of seven experts to help clean up the spill, after sending the first team of six people.

The new team, which departs Wednesday, will bring special oil-absorbent materials donated by a Tokyo-based company.

"We want to help local people who are struggling to remove oil," said Yuki Takenoshita of M-TechX, which developed the material made of polypropylene which can absorb 1,200 litres of oil.

Mauritian authorities on Tuesday arrested the Indian captain of a Japanese-owned shipwrecked off the island nation's coast, spewing tonnes of oil into pristine waters, police said.

Mauritian authorities on Tuesday arrested the Indian captain of a Japanese-owned shipwrecked off the island nation's coast, spewing tonnes of oil into pristine waters, police said. Also read | As India rushes aid to Mauritius, oil spill causes 'poisonous shock' to marine life The MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef on July 25 and began oozing oil more than a week later, spilling more than 1,000 tonnes into blue waters popular among honeymooners and tourists. Officials have yet to reveal why the ship, which was making its way from Singapore to Brazil, had come so close to the island, which is now reeling from ecological disaster. "We arrested the captain and his second-in-command today. They were taken to court on a provisionary charge. The investigation continues from tomorrow with the interrogation of other crew members," said spokesman Inspector Shiva Coothen. The captain, an Indian citizen, and his deputy, who is Sri Lankan, were charged under the piracy and maritime violence act and will reappear in court on August 25. Salvage crews managed to pump some 3,000 tonnes of fuel off the bulk carrier before it split in two on Sunday, preventing a much larger environmental catastrophe. On Tuesday they began towing the larger of the two pieces of the Wakashio out into the open ocean where it is to be sunk. The part containing the engine room remains wedged on the coral reef. ‘Delicate operation' "We are engaged in a delicate operation," maritime operations director Alain Donat told AFP. "We want to take advantage of high tide to pull it little by little. This part of the boat is 225 metres long and 50 metres wide." He said the vessel would be tugged almost 15 kilometres (nine miles) away from the coral reef and sunk. The decision to sink the boat was taken on Monday in consultation with French experts who have been sent to assist Mauritius. "Since oil has been largely removed and the amount of the remaining oil is small, the impact of the operation on the environment is expected to be limited," said an official from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, part of a team that is also helping Mauritius in the wake of the disaster. Japan announced Monday it was sending a second team of seven experts to help clean up the spill, after sending the first team of six people. The new team, which departs Wednesday, will bring special oil-absorbent materials donated by a Tokyo-based company. "We want to help local people who are struggling to remove oil," said Yuki Takenoshita of M-TechX, which developed the material made of polypropylene which can absorb 1,200 litres of oil.

Mauritius arrests Indian captain, deputy of oil-spill ship

A Japanese ship that ran aground off Mauritius caused an oil spill into the ocean&nbsp;and has started off an environmental catastrophe.

It has now been revealed that the&nbsp;ship, that spilled almost&nbsp;1,000 tonnes of oil, passed the latest annual inspection in March with no problems, Japan's ClassNK inspection body confirmed.

The ship, known as&nbsp;MV Wakashio, is owned by Nagashiki Shipping and operated by Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. Mitsui has now set up a task force to look into this matter.

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"We will do our utmost towards resolving the situation quickly," the company said in a statement. Mitsui will also be sending a personnel to the site of the spill to help the task force.

The company has also claimed that the impact on earnings from the spill would not be big enough to&nbsp;to warrant a financial disclosure.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said the ship has now stopped leaking oil into the Indian Ocean but the island nation must still prepare for "a worst case scenario".

The oil spill caused an environment emergency in Mauritius.

A Japanese ship that ran aground off Mauritius caused an oil spill into the ocean and has started off an environmental catastrophe. It has now been revealed that the ship, that spilled almost 1,000 tonnes of oil, passed the latest annual inspection in March with no problems, Japan's ClassNK inspection body confirmed.

A Japanese ship that ran aground off Mauritius caused an oil spill into the ocean and has started off an environmental catastrophe. It has now been revealed that the ship, that spilled almost 1,000 tonnes of oil, passed the latest annual inspection in March with no problems, Japan's ClassNK inspection body confirmed. The ship, known as MV Wakashio, is owned by Nagashiki Shipping and operated by Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. Mitsui has now set up a task force to look into this matter. × "We will do our utmost towards resolving the situation quickly," the company said in a statement. Mitsui will also be sending a personnel to the site of the spill to help the task force. The company has also claimed that the impact on earnings from the spill would not be big enough to to warrant a financial disclosure. Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said the ship has now stopped leaking oil into the Indian Ocean but the island nation must still prepare for "a worst case scenario". The oil spill caused an environment emergency in Mauritius.

Japanese ship that caused Mauritius oil spill was approved in annual checks

The Coronavirus has reached 28 countries. A cruise ship off the coast of Japan is under a lockdown. Indian diamond merchants are suffering losses. Even the Tokyo Olympics could be affected. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the Coronavirus is afflicting the world in more ways than one.

Gravitas: Fighting the deadly coronavirus

Italy's new government allowed a French <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/charity-ship-seeks-port-for-356-rescued-migrants-in-the-mediterranean-244622">charity ship</a> to head to the island of Lampedusa on Saturday and bring ashore some 82 migrants, reversing the uncompromising, closed-door policy of the previous administration.

The Ocean Viking, run by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-sends-warship-to-pick-up-migrants-off-italys-coast-244491">French charities SOS</a> Mediterranee and Doctors Without Borders (MSF), said on Twitter it had received the green light to sail to Lampedusa, six days after it carried out its first rescue off the coast of Libya.

"The Italian authorities have just offered Ocean Viking a place of safety," MSF said. Local officials confirmed the news.

Italy's government formally took office on Tuesday, promising a new approach to migration following the hardline clampdown on rescue ships introduced by the former interior minister, Matteo Salvini, who heads the far-right League.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Thursday that "several EU countries" had agreed to take in the Africans aboard the Ocean Viking, but did not give further details and did not immediately let Ocean Viking enter Italian waters.

"We needed a bit of time, but Ocean Viking has finally been assigned a safe port. Small signs of discontinuity," said Matteo Orfini, a senior member of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) which has replaced the League within the ruling coalition.

Salvini's tough line on immigration fuelled the popularity of his League party, which pulled out of its coalition with the 5-Star Movement last month in a vain attempt to trigger new elections.

During his 14 months at the interior ministry, he introduced new security decrees barring rescue ships from entering Italian waters, saying Italy had borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe.

Ships that defied the decrees risked being impounded and were threatened with fines of up to a million euros ($1.1 million).

Italy's new government allowed a French charity ship to head to the island of Lampedusa on Saturday and bring ashore some 82 migrants, reversing the uncompromising, closed-door policy of the previous administration.

Italy's new government allowed a French charity ship to head to the island of Lampedusa on Saturday and bring ashore some 82 migrants, reversing the uncompromising, closed-door policy of the previous administration. The Ocean Viking, run by French charities SOS Mediterranee and Doctors Without Borders (MSF), said on Twitter it had received the green light to sail to Lampedusa, six days after it carried out its first rescue off the coast of Libya. "The Italian authorities have just offered Ocean Viking a place of safety," MSF said. Local officials confirmed the news. Italy's government formally took office on Tuesday, promising a new approach to migration following the hardline clampdown on rescue ships introduced by the former interior minister, Matteo Salvini, who heads the far-right League. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Thursday that "several EU countries" had agreed to take in the Africans aboard the Ocean Viking, but did not give further details and did not immediately let Ocean Viking enter Italian waters. "We needed a bit of time, but Ocean Viking has finally been assigned a safe port. Small signs of discontinuity," said Matteo Orfini, a senior member of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) which has replaced the League within the ruling coalition. Salvini's tough line on immigration fuelled the popularity of his League party, which pulled out of its coalition with the 5-Star Movement last month in a vain attempt to trigger new elections. During his 14 months at the interior ministry, he introduced new security decrees barring rescue ships from entering Italian waters, saying Italy had borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe. Ships that defied the decrees risked being impounded and were threatened with fines of up to a million euros ($1.1 million).

In break with past, Rome lets charity ship head to Italian port

Scientists have warned that the wreckage of the Titanic, which sank in 1912 killing more 1,500 people, is deteriorating rapidly due to the particular types of bacteria that inhabit the ship.

New video shows Titanic deterioration

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach.

Italy has evacuated a handful of medical cases from the Open Arms but far-right<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-new-migrant-standoff-italys-salvini-blocks-two-ngo-boats-242803"> Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has been refusing to allow the vessel</a> to dock despite a European deal to take in those remaining.

The captain of the ship operated by Proactiva Open Arms, Marc Reig, said that those on board, rescued after leaving chaos-stricken Libya, were "broken psychologically".

"Every second that passes, the bomb ticks a second closer. Either someone cuts the red cable and defuses this bomb now, or the Open Arms will explode," he told Spain's TVE television.

"This is inhuman. We're close to land and people could swim there. They want to throw themselves in the water. It's untenable. They can't take it anymore."

This is the umpteenth standoff between a charity vessel rescuing migrants making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean and Salvini, but this time set against the background of a political crisis in Rome.

Thursday saw sparring between Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Salvini, who last week pulled his party out of the ruling coalition in the hope of toppling the 14-month-old government.

Salvini's anti-immigrant League party has been<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-deputy-prime-minister-salvinis-quest-for-snap-election-faces-hurdles-242302"> squabbling with coalition partner </a>the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) over a host of issues.

"France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have told me that they are ready to welcome the migrants," Conte said in an open letter to Salvini, who has sought to bar all NGO rescue vessels from entering Italian waters.

In a distinct change of tone since the coalition disintegrated last week, Conte slammed what he called Salvini's "obsessive focus" on an immigration policy reduced to the phrase "closed ports".

Salvini says that Italy bears an unfair burden as the first port of call for refugees crossing the Mediterranean.

Responding to Conte, Salvini wrote on Facebook: "It is clear that without (my) resolve, the European Union would never have lifted a finger, leaving Italy and the Italians on their own like (previous governments) did for years."

The UN refugee agency welcomed the news of a deal to distribute the migrants but regretted it took so long.

"People cannot be left at sea for days on end. Predictable, regional and fair approach urgently needed so no rescued person is again left at sea for so long," the UNHCR tweeted.&nbsp;

Listening to my conscience&nbsp;

After Salvini pulled the plug on his coalition with M5S last week, he had hoped for an immediate no-confidence vote but his gambit failed.

The fate of the migrants aboard the Open Arms vessel is now at the centre of Italy's political crisis.

Earlier this month, Salvini signed a decree banning the Open Arms from Italian waters, saying it was to protect public order.&nbsp;

But Proactiva appealed to an administrative court which on Wednesday suspended his decree.

Salvini then signed a new one blocking the ship, but in a demonstration of his diminished power, Italy's defence minister blocked it on Thursday.

Elisabetta Trenta, an M5S party member with the authority to sign off on Salvini's decree, announced that she decided not to do so after "listening to my conscience".

It is estimated Salvini enjoys up to 38 per cent support among the electorate, thanks largely to his hard-line against immigrants.

Spokeswoman Vanessa Mock said the European Commission welcomed the willingness of member states to help relocate the migrants.

The Commission is ready to help "once a solution has been found for the disembarkation of the persons rescued at sea. The situation where persons are stranded at sea for days and weeks on end is untenable."

The mainly African migrants aboard Open Arms had been plucked from boats in the Mediterranean this month, with weather conditions encouraging more departures from Libya.

Another rescue ship, the Ocean Viking, operated by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), is also looking for a port to dock with more than 350 migrants on board.

&nbsp;

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach.

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach. Italy has evacuated a handful of medical cases from the Open Arms but far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has been refusing to allow the vessel to dock despite a European deal to take in those remaining. The captain of the ship operated by Proactiva Open Arms, Marc Reig, said that those on board, rescued after leaving chaos-stricken Libya, were "broken psychologically". "Every second that passes, the bomb ticks a second closer. Either someone cuts the red cable and defuses this bomb now, or the Open Arms will explode," he told Spain's TVE television. "This is inhuman. We're close to land and people could swim there. They want to throw themselves in the water. It's untenable. They can't take it anymore." This is the umpteenth standoff between a charity vessel rescuing migrants making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean and Salvini, but this time set against the background of a political crisis in Rome. Thursday saw sparring between Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Salvini, who last week pulled his party out of the ruling coalition in the hope of toppling the 14-month-old government. Salvini's anti-immigrant League party has been squabbling with coalition partner the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) over a host of issues. "France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have told me that they are ready to welcome the migrants," Conte said in an open letter to Salvini, who has sought to bar all NGO rescue vessels from entering Italian waters. In a distinct change of tone since the coalition disintegrated last week, Conte slammed what he called Salvini's "obsessive focus" on an immigration policy reduced to the phrase "closed ports". Salvini says that Italy bears an unfair burden as the first port of call for refugees crossing the Mediterranean. Responding to Conte, Salvini wrote on Facebook: "It is clear that without (my) resolve, the European Union would never have lifted a finger, leaving Italy and the Italians on their own like (previous governments) did for years." The UN refugee agency welcomed the news of a deal to distribute the migrants but regretted it took so long. "People cannot be left at sea for days on end. Predictable, regional and fair approach urgently needed so no rescued person is again left at sea for so long," the UNHCR tweeted. Listening to my conscience After Salvini pulled the plug on his coalition with M5S last week, he had hoped for an immediate no-confidence vote but his gambit failed. The fate of the migrants aboard the Open Arms vessel is now at the centre of Italy's political crisis. Earlier this month, Salvini signed a decree banning the Open Arms from Italian waters, saying it was to protect public order. But Proactiva appealed to an administrative court which on Wednesday suspended his decree. Salvini then signed a new one blocking the ship, but in a demonstration of his diminished power, Italy's defence minister blocked it on Thursday. Elisabetta Trenta, an M5S party member with the authority to sign off on Salvini's decree, announced that she decided not to do so after "listening to my conscience". It is estimated Salvini enjoys up to 38 per cent support among the electorate, thanks largely to his hard-line against immigrants. Spokeswoman Vanessa Mock said the European Commission welcomed the willingness of member states to help relocate the migrants. The Commission is ready to help "once a solution has been found for the disembarkation of the persons rescued at sea. The situation where persons are stranded at sea for days and weeks on end is untenable." The mainly African migrants aboard Open Arms had been plucked from boats in the Mediterranean this month, with weather conditions encouraging more departures from Libya. Another rescue ship, the Ocean Viking, operated by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), is also looking for a port to dock with more than 350 migrants on board.

'Explosive' situation on migrant rescue boat in limbo off Italy

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning -09th July 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning -8th July 2019

The US&nbsp;seizure of a North Korean cargo ship is the biggest stumbling block to improving bilateral relations, a senior North Korean official said on Wednesday, warning Washington against using the "logic of strength" against Pyongyang.

The Trump administration must make a "big decision" on lifting sanctions before stalled nuclear negotiations can resume, Han Tae Song, North Korea`s ambassador to the UN&nbsp;in Geneva, added in an interview.

"It would be the greatest miscalculation if America thought my country is among the countries where American-style logic of strength or pressure might work," Han, who is also North Korea`s disarmament ambassador, told Reuters.

North Korea, under US&nbsp;and UN sanctions for its nuclear and missile programmes, has stepped up a campaign for the return of the ship, which Washington says it seized over accusations it was used for coal shipments in violation of the curbs.

The country has warned Washington that the impounding of the "Wise Honest" ship had violated its sovereignty and could affect "future developments" between the two countries.

"Yes, (it is) the biggest issue," Han said of the vessel, which US officials say is en route to American Samoa. "It is because it is the infringing upon the sovereignty of our country."

Han described the seizure as a "wanton violation of international law" and demanded its immediate return.

Han said he had no information on its cargo, but on the consequences of a US failure to return the ship, he said: "We don`t want, the Americans also don`t want and the international community don`t want the situation again worsening."

At their second summit meeting in February, talks broke down between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stalling moves toward denuclearisation.&nbsp;

Han said his country`s short-range missile tests carried out earlier in May were a "routine checking of our national defence capabilities", indicating that they would continue.

"WE ARE NOT OBSESSED" OVER MORE TALKS

The UN Security Council has unanimously strengthened sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for Pyongyang’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products.

Asked whether North Korea was ready to resume nuclear negotiations with the United States, Han referred to Kim`s speech to the Supreme People`s Assembly in April.

"If they don`t change their minds, if they don`t make a big decision, we are not obsessed over another round of talks with the USA, out of (being) thirsty for lifting sanctions," Han said.

"That`s why our leader said that if they made a big decision, there will be another round of talks with America."

Han said that North Korean grain production was lower last year following drought, leading to a "shortage of food".

UN&nbsp;agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), are providing food assistance, from donor contributions, he said.

"If there is food aid, it`s ok. But if there is no food aid, then we have to manage ourselves."

Asked whether the food shortages were manageable, he replied: "It is manageable, but the problem is UN sanctions.

"We can`t transact for importing the food through banking systems, that is the main problem."&nbsp;

The US seizure of a North Korean cargo ship is the biggest stumbling block to improving bilateral relations, a senior North Korean official said on Wednesday, warning Washington against using the "logic of strength" against Pyongyang.

The US seizure of a North Korean cargo ship is the biggest stumbling block to improving bilateral relations, a senior North Korean official said on Wednesday, warning Washington against using the "logic of strength" against Pyongyang. The Trump administration must make a "big decision" on lifting sanctions before stalled nuclear negotiations can resume, Han Tae Song, North Korea`s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, added in an interview. "It would be the greatest miscalculation if America thought my country is among the countries where American-style logic of strength or pressure might work," Han, who is also North Korea`s disarmament ambassador, told Reuters. North Korea, under US and UN sanctions for its nuclear and missile programmes, has stepped up a campaign for the return of the ship, which Washington says it seized over accusations it was used for coal shipments in violation of the curbs. The country has warned Washington that the impounding of the "Wise Honest" ship had violated its sovereignty and could affect "future developments" between the two countries. "Yes, (it is) the biggest issue," Han said of the vessel, which US officials say is en route to American Samoa. "It is because it is the infringing upon the sovereignty of our country." Han described the seizure as a "wanton violation of international law" and demanded its immediate return. Han said he had no information on its cargo, but on the consequences of a US failure to return the ship, he said: "We don`t want, the Americans also don`t want and the international community don`t want the situation again worsening." At their second summit meeting in February, talks broke down between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stalling moves toward denuclearisation. Han said his country`s short-range missile tests carried out earlier in May were a "routine checking of our national defence capabilities", indicating that they would continue. "WE ARE NOT OBSESSED" OVER MORE TALKS The UN Security Council has unanimously strengthened sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for Pyongyang’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products. Asked whether North Korea was ready to resume nuclear negotiations with the United States, Han referred to Kim`s speech to the Supreme People`s Assembly in April. "If they don`t change their minds, if they don`t make a big decision, we are not obsessed over another round of talks with the USA, out of (being) thirsty for lifting sanctions," Han said. "That`s why our leader said that if they made a big decision, there will be another round of talks with America." Han said that North Korean grain production was lower last year following drought, leading to a "shortage of food". UN agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), are providing food assistance, from donor contributions, he said. "If there is food aid, it`s ok. But if there is no food aid, then we have to manage ourselves." Asked whether the food shortages were manageable, he replied: "It is manageable, but the problem is UN sanctions. "We can`t transact for importing the food through banking systems, that is the main problem."

North Korea says 'biggest issue' in US ties is impounded ship

To speed up humanitarian operations, India will send another ship, INS Magar, loaded with relief materials to Mozambique, one of the three countries along with Zimbabwe and Malawi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyclone-idai-claims-417-lives-in-mozambique-over-700-killed-in-southern-africa-205206">severely affected by Cyclone Idai</a>, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.

"In response to a request from the Republic of Mozambique, the Government of India immediately diverted three Indian naval ships to the port city of Beira. Over the last several days, the three Indian ships, INS Sujata, ICGS Sarathi and INS Shardul are undertaking HADR (Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief) in coordination with local authorities and the High Commission of India, Maputo," a press statement issued on Saturday from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) read.

"In view of the evolving crisis, India is continuing with its efforts to help the people of Mozambique. To sustain HADR operations, another ship INS MAGAR, suitably loaded with relief materials is being sent to Mozambique".&nbsp;

The HADR brick loaded on board contains medicines, dry provisions, ready-to-eat meals, daily essentials, and clothing items," adds the statement.

"This would cater for approximately 1,000 persons for seven days. In addition, 500 kg of epidemic-related medicines and 400 tonnes of rice has also been loaded on the ship. The ship is expected to sail in the next 2-3 days," added the ministry.

The Indian naval crew rescued more than 192 people affected in the cyclone. Medical assistance has been provided to 1,381 persons in medical camps set up by the Indian Navy.

"As of now, Indian naval crew has IN Helicopter Chetak took several sorties to facilitate aerial survey by disaster management officials of Mozambique, for evacuation of people in coordination with local authorities and for dropping food and water packets in cyclone-affected areas," the press release said.

"Indian Navy ships have also been providing fresh water in relief camps, undertaking community service including clearing of debris and repairing damaged roads etc. Food supplies have also been provided to about 700 persons working in the port area," it added.

The Indian Navy was the first responder in the evolving humanitarian crises in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai that hit Mozambique on 15 March 2019. Assistance is also being sent to Zimbabwe and Malawi, two other countries hit by the cyclone.

More than 400 people have died in the affected nations until now, according to officials. The figure is set to rise as bodies are being discovered as floodwaters recede.

To speed up humanitarian operations, India will send another ship, INS Magar, loaded with relief materials to Mozambique, one of the three countries along with Zimbabwe and Malawi severely affected by Cyclone Idai, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.

To speed up humanitarian operations, India will send another ship, INS Magar, loaded with relief materials to Mozambique, one of the three countries along with Zimbabwe and Malawi severely affected by Cyclone Idai, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced. "In response to a request from the Republic of Mozambique, the Government of India immediately diverted three Indian naval ships to the port city of Beira. Over the last several days, the three Indian ships, INS Sujata, ICGS Sarathi and INS Shardul are undertaking HADR (Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief) in coordination with local authorities and the High Commission of India, Maputo," a press statement issued on Saturday from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) read. "In view of the evolving crisis, India is continuing with its efforts to help the people of Mozambique. To sustain HADR operations, another ship INS MAGAR, suitably loaded with relief materials is being sent to Mozambique". The HADR brick loaded on board contains medicines, dry provisions, ready-to-eat meals, daily essentials, and clothing items," adds the statement. "This would cater for approximately 1,000 persons for seven days. In addition, 500 kg of epidemic-related medicines and 400 tonnes of rice has also been loaded on the ship. The ship is expected to sail in the next 2-3 days," added the ministry. The Indian naval crew rescued more than 192 people affected in the cyclone. Medical assistance has been provided to 1,381 persons in medical camps set up by the Indian Navy. "As of now, Indian naval crew has IN Helicopter Chetak took several sorties to facilitate aerial survey by disaster management officials of Mozambique, for evacuation of people in coordination with local authorities and for dropping food and water packets in cyclone-affected areas," the press release said. "Indian Navy ships have also been providing fresh water in relief camps, undertaking community service including clearing of debris and repairing damaged roads etc. Food supplies have also been provided to about 700 persons working in the port area," it added. The Indian Navy was the first responder in the evolving humanitarian crises in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai that hit Mozambique on 15 March 2019. Assistance is also being sent to Zimbabwe and Malawi, two other countries hit by the cyclone. More than 400 people have died in the affected nations until now, according to officials. The figure is set to rise as bodies are being discovered as floodwaters recede.

India to send another ship to cyclone-hit Mozambique to speed up humanitarian operations

High satellite bandwidth charges are likely to play a spoiler in the uptake of in-flight mobile services in India as these would make the facility costlier by 30-50 times at Rs 700-1,000 for a two-hour journey, says an industry official.&nbsp;

The chief technology officer of broadband technology firm Hughes India, K Krishna, told PTI that satellite bandwidth charges in India are 7-8 times higher compared to other parts of the world due to the condition that bandwidth can be procured from Indian Space Research Organisation only.&nbsp;

"Passengers are not going to pay 50 times higher price for Internet on a two-hour flight. It has to be extremely affordable and for that to happen open sky mechanism is very much required. You can't be restrictive that only Indian satellites need to provide capacity. Monopolistic policy won't work. The policy will become a duck if these issues are not addressed," Krishna said.&nbsp;

Hughes has applied for a licence for in-flight and maritime connectivity that will allow access to mobile services during air travel and ship voyage within Indian airspace and territorial waters.&nbsp;

He said that there is adequate satellite capacity available at very affordable cost for in-flight and maritime mobile services to work.

"Investment per plane is not small. It is in the range of $500 thousand per plane. None of the Indian airlines or shipping companies will really invest till they see a return, and return has to come from passenger paying for the service.&nbsp;

"The bandwidth will make 70-80 per cent cost of service. At present rates, current tariff will be in the range of Rs 700-1,000 which lot of people are not going to afford if they compare it with routine mobile plans," Krishna said.

He said that the global business model of in-flight mobile services works at 10 per cent passengers opting for the service.&nbsp;

"An option to increase uptake is that in-flight service charges are included in air ticket but the tickets are already in the range of Rs 4,000-5,000 and adding charges of IFC service will not be a feasible business model for airlines," Krishna said.

The mobile services in planes will be provided once it attains a height of 3,000 metres. It can be provided through both using telecom networks on the ground as well as using satellites.&nbsp;

The Hughes India CTO also said restriction imposed in the licence that an Indian service provider can provide connectivity within Indian airspace and waters would be a disadvantage for both the service provider as well as airlines and shipping firms.&nbsp;

"Indian vessels going outside Indian border should also be provided service by an Indian service provider. Otherwise, we are letting service providers from other countries exploit it. None of other country surrounding India has restriction of 12 nautical miles like we have," Krishna said.

He said that as per international norms, Indian service providers can provide service to aircraft and vessels when they are in an international or no-man zone but Indian telegraph act restricts companies to provide services within national boundaries.&nbsp;

"These are the things which the government needs to relax for healthy uptake of service," Krishna said.&nbsp;

The company expects to get a licence for the service early next month and has started discussion to start service in some of the aircraft, he said.

High satellite bandwidth charges are likely to play a spoiler in the uptake of in-flight mobile services in India as these would make the facility costlier by 30-50 times at Rs 700-1,000 for a two-hour journey, says an industry official.

High satellite bandwidth charges are likely to play a spoiler in the uptake of in-flight mobile services in India as these would make the facility costlier by 30-50 times at Rs 700-1,000 for a two-hour journey, says an industry official. The chief technology officer of broadband technology firm Hughes India, K Krishna, told PTI that satellite bandwidth charges in India are 7-8 times higher compared to other parts of the world due to the condition that bandwidth can be procured from Indian Space Research Organisation only. "Passengers are not going to pay 50 times higher price for Internet on a two-hour flight. It has to be extremely affordable and for that to happen open sky mechanism is very much required. You can't be restrictive that only Indian satellites need to provide capacity. Monopolistic policy won't work. The policy will become a duck if these issues are not addressed," Krishna said. Hughes has applied for a licence for in-flight and maritime connectivity that will allow access to mobile services during air travel and ship voyage within Indian airspace and territorial waters. He said that there is adequate satellite capacity available at very affordable cost for in-flight and maritime mobile services to work. "Investment per plane is not small. It is in the range of $500 thousand per plane. None of the Indian airlines or shipping companies will really invest till they see a return, and return has to come from passenger paying for the service. "The bandwidth will make 70-80 per cent cost of service. At present rates, current tariff will be in the range of Rs 700-1,000 which lot of people are not going to afford if they compare it with routine mobile plans," Krishna said. He said that the global business model of in-flight mobile services works at 10 per cent passengers opting for the service. "An option to increase uptake is that in-flight service charges are included in air ticket but the tickets are already in the range of Rs 4,000-5,000 and adding charges of IFC service will not be a feasible business model for airlines," Krishna said. The mobile services in planes will be provided once it attains a height of 3,000 metres. It can be provided through both using telecom networks on the ground as well as using satellites. The Hughes India CTO also said restriction imposed in the licence that an Indian service provider can provide connectivity within Indian airspace and waters would be a disadvantage for both the service provider as well as airlines and shipping firms. "Indian vessels going outside Indian border should also be provided service by an Indian service provider. Otherwise, we are letting service providers from other countries exploit it. None of other country surrounding India has restriction of 12 nautical miles like we have," Krishna said. He said that as per international norms, Indian service providers can provide service to aircraft and vessels when they are in an international or no-man zone but Indian telegraph act restricts companies to provide services within national boundaries. "These are the things which the government needs to relax for healthy uptake of service," Krishna said. The company expects to get a licence for the service early next month and has started discussion to start service in some of the aircraft, he said.

High bandwidth charges a spoiler for in-flight mobile services: Hughes India

A baby boy named&nbsp;Miracle&nbsp;has been born on board a humanitarian ship - a bright spot as the tide of migrants risking sea crossings from Libya to Italy has increased as the weather has improved.

There have been more than 1,800 migrants rescued by humanitarian ships, and Italy's navy and coastguard vessels over the past three days, and one body was recovered, an Italian coastguard official said.

Arrivals from Libya, a staging post for people smugglers, have plummeted 85 per cent this year from last as Italy provided support to the Libyan coastguard and to municipalities along the coast to stop migrant boats.

But good weather or other factors seem to have reversed that trend, for now.

"It's really hard to know what's happening inside Libya, or why the Libyan coastguard has not been so active in these last few days," said Lauren King, a spokeswoman from the Aquarius, the ship baby&nbsp;Miracle&nbsp;was born aboard.

The Aquarius is a rescue ship run by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), which brought ashore 70 migrants in Catania, Sicily, on Sunday. The Aquarius is setting off again later in the day for the waters off the coast of Libya.

"Given the weather conditions ... It's better we're out there and ready," she said.

On Saturday, the leader of the far-right League party, which appears poised to form a coalition government with the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, said that the surge in arrivals meant someone was trying to undermine the would-be administration.

"The usual powers that be are threatening us with the migrant boats," Matteo Salvini Tweeted.

The League has promised to take a hard line on irregular immigration and deport hundreds of thousands of migrants if the government receives the president's endorsement and wins parliament's backing.

Migrants rescued by the Aquarius spoke of horrific conditions and violence in Libya, including the mother of the baby born on Saturday.

"Both the mother and baby are doing very well," Amoin Soulemane, the midwife on the Aquarius, said in a statement.&nbsp;Miracle, weighing 2.8 kg, was the sixth baby born on the rescue ship, but the first this year, King said.

When&nbsp;Miracle&nbsp;was brought onto deck by the midwife, the migrants on board celebrated his birth by singing and dancing -- a far cry from the conditions they said they had came from in Libya.

The mother, whose name was not given, told MSF she had been "held captive, beaten, given very little food and extorted for money for release" during the year she was in Libya.

She was eventually able to escape from her captors, and on Thursday she set out to sea on a rubber boat with 68 others.

When Miracle was brought onto deck by the midwife, the migrants on board celebrated his birth by singing and dancing

A baby boy named Miracle has been born on board a humanitarian ship - a bright spot as the tide of migrants risking sea crossings from Libya to Italy has increased as the weather has improved. There have been more than 1,800 migrants rescued by humanitarian ships, and Italy's navy and coastguard vessels over the past three days, and one body was recovered, an Italian coastguard official said. Arrivals from Libya, a staging post for people smugglers, have plummeted 85 per cent this year from last as Italy provided support to the Libyan coastguard and to municipalities along the coast to stop migrant boats. But good weather or other factors seem to have reversed that trend, for now. "It's really hard to know what's happening inside Libya, or why the Libyan coastguard has not been so active in these last few days," said Lauren King, a spokeswoman from the Aquarius, the ship baby Miracle was born aboard. The Aquarius is a rescue ship run by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), which brought ashore 70 migrants in Catania, Sicily, on Sunday. The Aquarius is setting off again later in the day for the waters off the coast of Libya. "Given the weather conditions ... It's better we're out there and ready," she said. On Saturday, the leader of the far-right League party, which appears poised to form a coalition government with the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, said that the surge in arrivals meant someone was trying to undermine the would-be administration. "The usual powers that be are threatening us with the migrant boats," Matteo Salvini Tweeted. The League has promised to take a hard line on irregular immigration and deport hundreds of thousands of migrants if the government receives the president's endorsement and wins parliament's backing. Migrants rescued by the Aquarius spoke of horrific conditions and violence in Libya, including the mother of the baby born on Saturday. "Both the mother and baby are doing very well," Amoin Soulemane, the midwife on the Aquarius, said in a statement. Miracle, weighing 2.8 kg, was the sixth baby born on the rescue ship, but the first this year, King said. When Miracle was brought onto deck by the midwife, the migrants on board celebrated his birth by singing and dancing -- a far cry from the conditions they said they had came from in Libya. The mother, whose name was not given, told MSF she had been "held captive, beaten, given very little food and extorted for money for release" during the year she was in Libya. She was eventually able to escape from her captors, and on Thursday she set out to sea on a rubber boat with 68 others.

Baby 'Miracle' born on rescue ship as Italy arrivals surge

Search operations are underway for the Panama-flag merchant ship, &quot;Marine Express&quot; with 22 Indian crew members which went missing from Benin coast in South Africa on Thursday.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter to inform that she has spoken with Foreign Minister of Nigeria Geoffrey Onyeama and he assured to provide all the possible help.

&quot;I have just spoken to Foreign Minister of Nigeria regarding missing Merchant Ship with 22 Indian nationals on board. Hon&#39;ble Foreign Minister of Nigeria has promised all help and assistance in locating the missing ship. We have set up a Helpline no.(+234)9070343860,&quot; Swaraj tweeted.

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I have just spoken to Foreign Minister of Nigeria regarding missing Merchant Ship with 22 Indian nationals on board. Hon&#39;ble Foreign Minister of Nigeria has promised all help and assistance in locating the missing ship. We have set up a Helpline no.(+234)9070343860.
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/960551558961233920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The ship has gone missing less than a month after another vessel, &quot;MT Barret&quot;, disappeared off the coast of Benin in January, and was later confirmed to have been hijacked. The 22 crew of &quot;MT Barret&quot;, most of whom were Indians, were reportedly released after a ransom was paid.

The agent for the ship &quot;Marine Express&quot;, Mumbai-based Anglo-Eastern said on Twitter on Friday that &ldquo;contact has been lost with the AE-managed MT Marine Express while at Cotonou, Benin. Last contact was on February 1. Authorities have been alerted and are responding.&rdquo;

The owners of the tanker, which was loaded with gas oil, have urged the Directorate General of Shipping in Mumbai to get in touch with their counterparts in Nigeria and Benin to carry out search operations for the merchant ship.

The vessel, MT Marine Express is the second ship to have lost in the recent months. The Ship was owned by Hong Kong-based Anglo Eastern Ship Management.&nbsp;

The vessel, MT Marine Express is the second ship to have lost in the recent months. The Ship was owned by Hong Kong-based Anglo Eastern Ship Management. The last contact with the ship was made on February 1.

Search operations are underway for the Panama-flag merchant ship, "Marine Express" with 22 Indian crew members which went missing from Benin coast in South Africa on Thursday. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter to inform that she has spoken with Foreign Minister of Nigeria Geoffrey Onyeama and he assured to provide all the possible help. "I have just spoken to Foreign Minister of Nigeria regarding missing Merchant Ship with 22 Indian nationals on board. Hon'ble Foreign Minister of Nigeria has promised all help and assistance in locating the missing ship. We have set up a Helpline no.(+234)9070343860," Swaraj tweeted. I have just spoken to Foreign Minister of Nigeria regarding missing Merchant Ship with 22 Indian nationals on board. Hon'ble Foreign Minister of Nigeria has promised all help and assistance in locating the missing ship. We have set up a Helpline no.(+234)9070343860. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) February 5, 2018 × The ship has gone missing less than a month after another vessel, "MT Barret", disappeared off the coast of Benin in January, and was later confirmed to have been hijacked. The 22 crew of "MT Barret", most of whom were Indians, were reportedly released after a ransom was paid. The agent for the ship "Marine Express", Mumbai-based Anglo-Eastern said on Twitter on Friday that “contact has been lost with the AE-managed MT Marine Express while at Cotonou, Benin. Last contact was on February 1. Authorities have been alerted and are responding.” The owners of the tanker, which was loaded with gas oil, have urged the Directorate General of Shipping in Mumbai to get in touch with their counterparts in Nigeria and Benin to carry out search operations for the merchant ship. The vessel, MT Marine Express is the second ship to have lost in the recent months. The Ship was owned by Hong Kong-based Anglo Eastern Ship Management.

Indian oil tanker missing feared hijacked, Swaraj seeks help from Nigeria

A Panama-flag merchant ship with 22 Indian crew members which went missing from Benin coast in South Africa on Thursday has still not been located.&nbsp;

The owners of tanker ship MT Marine Express, which was loaded with gas oil sought help from the directorate general of shipping in Mumbai - to conduct search operations with its counterparts in Nigeria and Benin.&nbsp;

Reports had earlier said that the tanker had been hijacked on January 9, however, another hijack is not ruled out yet.&nbsp;

Reports say that the Nigerian authorities have been alerted and search operations will be carried out to look for the missing tanker ship and report to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Anti-Piracy Reporting Centre immediately in London if found.&nbsp;

The vessel, MT Marine Express is the second ship to have lost in the recent months. The Ship was owned by Hong Kong-based Anglo Eastern Ship Management. The last contact with the ship was made on February 1.&nbsp;

Reports had earlier said that the tanker had been hijacked on January 9, however, another hijack is not ruled out yet

A Panama-flag merchant ship with 22 Indian crew members which went missing from Benin coast in South Africa on Thursday has still not been located. The owners of tanker ship MT Marine Express, which was loaded with gas oil sought help from the directorate general of shipping in Mumbai - to conduct search operations with its counterparts in Nigeria and Benin. Reports had earlier said that the tanker had been hijacked on January 9, however, another hijack is not ruled out yet. Reports say that the Nigerian authorities have been alerted and search operations will be carried out to look for the missing tanker ship and report to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Anti-Piracy Reporting Centre immediately in London if found. The vessel, MT Marine Express is the second ship to have lost in the recent months. The Ship was owned by Hong Kong-based Anglo Eastern Ship Management. The last contact with the ship was made on February 1.

MT Marine Express-Petrol tanker with 22 Indians still not located

An Iranian oil tanker collided with a bulk freighter and caught fire off China&rsquo;s eastern coast, leaving&nbsp;32 crew members missing on Saturday night.

Of those missing were 30&nbsp;Iranian nationals and two&nbsp;from Bangladesh, according to the Chinese government. The 21 rescued were all Chinese nationals.

Thick clouds of dark smoke could be seen billowing out of the Sanchi tanker, engulfing the vessel as rescue efforts were hampered by bad weather and fire on and around the ship, Mohammad Rastad, head of Iran&#39;s Ports and Maritime Organisation, told Iranian television.

The Sanchi collided with the CF Crystal about 160 nautical miles off the coast near Shanghai on Saturday evening, the Chinese Ministry of Transportation said in a statement.

The Panama-registered tanker was sailing from Iran to South Korea, carrying 136,000 tonnes of condensate, an ultra-light crude. That is equivalent to just under 1 million barrels, worth about $60 million, based on global crude oil prices.

A search operation is being carried out by the Chinese and South Korean authorities.&nbsp;

&quot;There is a wide perimeter of flames around the vessel because of the spillage and search and rescue efforts are being carried out with difficulty,&quot; Rastad said.

&quot;Unfortunately, up to this moment, there is no news of the crew,&quot; he said.

Eight vessels have dispatched by the Chinese maritime authorities for search and rescue operation.

South Korea has dispatched a coast guard ship and a fixed-wing aircraft to assist in the search and rescue operation.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Of those missing, 30 are Iranian nationals and two are from Bangladesh, according to the Chinese government. The 21 rescued are all Chinese nationals

An Iranian oil tanker collided with a bulk freighter and caught fire off China’s eastern coast, leaving 32 crew members missing on Saturday night. Of those missing were 30 Iranian nationals and two from Bangladesh, according to the Chinese government. The 21 rescued were all Chinese nationals. Thick clouds of dark smoke could be seen billowing out of the Sanchi tanker, engulfing the vessel as rescue efforts were hampered by bad weather and fire on and around the ship, Mohammad Rastad, head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation, told Iranian television. The Sanchi collided with the CF Crystal about 160 nautical miles off the coast near Shanghai on Saturday evening, the Chinese Ministry of Transportation said in a statement. The Panama-registered tanker was sailing from Iran to South Korea, carrying 136,000 tonnes of condensate, an ultra-light crude. That is equivalent to just under 1 million barrels, worth about $60 million, based on global crude oil prices. A search operation is being carried out by the Chinese and South Korean authorities. "There is a wide perimeter of flames around the vessel because of the spillage and search and rescue efforts are being carried out with difficulty," Rastad said. "Unfortunately, up to this moment, there is no news of the crew," he said. Eight vessels have dispatched by the Chinese maritime authorities for search and rescue operation. South Korea has dispatched a coast guard ship and a fixed-wing aircraft to assist in the search and rescue operation.

32 sailors missing after Iranian ship collides with bulk freighter off China's east coast

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