The crew boarded lifeboats as the list increased.
They were picked up by a tanker the 1,200-dwt Yu Jong 2 (built 1986) five hours later. No injuries were reported.
The MSA said it did not carry out any rescue activities as a result.
The Japanese organisation said the Chong Bong was en route from Chongjin to Songnim in North Korea with an iron cargo, adding that oil had been spotted in the area.
The MSA added that the weather was not particularly severe at the time of the accident.
The vessel is operated by Chongbong Shipping, according to Equasis.
Exporting North Korean coal?
Северокорейское судно затонуло у берегов Японии
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Совпадение или тщательно спланированная операция? В Белоруссии задержан экс-редактор Nexta Комментарий Георгия Бовта
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UPDATE: CHONG BONG issued distress signal at around 2300 Tokyo time May 21, reporting massive water ingress, and evacuation. All 21 crew went into lifeboat, and understood, were later rescued by North Korean tanker YUJONG 2. As of 0720 UTC May 22, tanker was sailing away from CHONG BONG, while distressed ship’s AIS was missing for some 3 hours since last position. It was mentioned that the ship has probably sank, but it’s not confirmed yet.
North Korean general cargo ship CHONG BONG is reported abandoned and adrift in Japan sea 27 nm north of Okinoshima island, Oki Archipelago, Japan. The ship was disabled and went drifting in the afternoon May 21, character of trouble unknown. As of 0440 UTC May 22, ship’s AIS was on, she was still drifting. North Korean tanker YUJONG 2(IMO 8604917) approached CHONG BONG at around 0430 UTC May 22, apparently with yhe purpose of salvage.