Hual Europe, a Ro/Ro vessel built in 2000, was grounded today by the island O-shima in Tokyo Bay. The reason for the grounding is not yet known. The vessel loaded cars in Yokohama, but was instructed to leave the port due to strong winds (typhoon) in the area. The vessel has a crew of 24, of which one is reported to be slightly injured. The situation for the vessel is critical and with some oil spill reported from the vessel.
It is being reported that the engine room is flooded and the vessel has strong listing. A helicopter from the Japanese Coast Guard is now standby to evacuate the crew, but weather conditions are causing delays.