MSC Silvana VIII Sinks Further off Zhoushan After Salvage Refloating Attempt Fails

Source: Splash247

The 8,401-TEU container ship MSC Silvana VIII is sinking further in waters off Zhoushan, China, after efforts to refloat the grounded vessel failed. Images from local media show that most of the vessel’s hull is now submerged.

Background to the Grounding

MSC Silvana VIII is a 20-year-old container ship measuring 332 metres in length. The vessel arrived in the Zhoushan ship-repair area on 22 June 2026 after sailing from Gwangyang, South Korea.

The vessel subsequently encountered problems and is believed to have run aground while Typhoon Bavi was affecting Zhejiang Province in mid-July. The exact cause of the incident has yet to be determined.

Refloating Attempt Fails

Subsequent efforts to refloat the vessel were unsuccessful, causing the stern to sink further into the water. Several cargo holds and the engine room have reportedly been flooded.

Approximately 3,000 tonnes of fuel have been removed from the vessel in an effort to reduce the risk of marine pollution.

Salvage and recovery operations are continuing to face significant challenges as another storm approaches the area, increasing risks to both the vessel and personnel involved in the salvage operation.

Cause and Extent of Damage Remain Unclear

As of now, MSC has not issued a public statement regarding the incident. The cause of the grounding, the extent of structural damage to the vessel, and the next steps for the recovery operation have yet to be disclosed.

According to vessel data, MSC Silvana VIII is registered under the Cyprus flag, was built in 2006, and measures 332 metres in length, with a deadweight of approximately 128,560 DWT.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Splash247)

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