Because of the collision oil began to spill out of the hull and a spark ignited the raw fuel.
The 31 crew members are still unaccounted for due to complications from the fumes being released by the spill. Weather has also been a problem for rescuers who report strong seas and winds in the area.
Environmental groups are worried this much oil and toxic gases being released could cause an environmental disaster for the surrounding area. The ship is in danger of exploding and releasing over 136,000 tonnes of oil into the open ocean where it becomes much more difficult to remove.
Some rescuers blame the area of sea the ships collided in. It is referred to as “The Dragon’s Triangle” and is comparable to the Bermuda Triangle. There is a high concentration of subsea volcanoes in the area.
“In this day and age with anti collision systems, radar, with ship identification systems, two enormous ships like this should not collide,” said oceanographer Dr. Simon Boxall of the University of Southampton. “Particularly seeing as they weren’t in a narrow channel, there wasn’t restricted navigation, there was no excuse for this accident to occur.”
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http://www.news.com.au/world/asia/thirtytwo-missing-oil-tanker-on-fire-after-collision-off-china-in-worlds-new-bermuda-triangle/news-story/56871933fd8e14c43038eddccc1883dd