Stricken cargo ship overturns in Hong Kong as frightened crew abandon posts

Terrified crew fled a listing cargo ship and refused to go back on board to turn off the engine for fear of being trapped if it capsized, leaving the 2,500-tonne vessel circling until it broke down and beached at Cheung Chau yesterday.

The 90-metre Sunrise Orient was listing at angles of up to 45 degrees when the 17-strong Vietnamese crew fled, a government officer said. The ship continued on slowly before breaking down about one kilometre east of the island and drifting onto the rocky beach at Tung Wan Tsai.

Work was under way last night to contain and clear a 100-metre oil slick from the vessel.

Nobody was injured and sea traffic was directed elsewhere.

But a Marine Department investigation has been launched into what caused the accident, and why the vessel's master abandoned ship without turning off the engine.

The officer said the master had been asked to go back on board to turn off the engine.

"But he was scared to go back because the vessel was listing badly and taking in water. He was worried he might be trapped inside if it capsized," the officer said.