Two persons died and one sustained severe injuries after Taiwan Coast Guard’s helicopter crashed on Friday while assisting the grounded containership TS Taipei off Shimen, Taiwan, according to local media.

The pilot and a rescue team member were reportedly killed in the crash, while other crew members were brought to safety.

The helicopter, carrying five people, was inspecting the oil spill from the grounded vessel when it lost control and crashed into the sea around noon.

Relevant authorities reported that the deceased members may have been hit by the rotor blades of the helicopter.

TS Taipei, a 2006-built boxship, grounded on a rocky shallow in the morning hours of March 10 when it lost propulsion in inclement weather.

The vessel’s crew of 21 people was safely evacuated.

The grounding of the 20,615 dwt ship caused an oil spill in the area as one of the vessel’s fuel tanks was damaged.

TS Taipei, managed by TS Lines, also suffered breaches in the aft part and its engine room was flooded.

From: World Maritime News