UN Non-Crisis Simulation

Collision in Indian Ocean

The Japanese freighter Shiziki Maru, carrying 34 tons of partially-spent uranium fuel from four European countries, collided with its French naval escort, the frigate Le Splendid, in the Indian Ocean. Preliminary evidence suggests that while the two ships were running closely alongside one another to facilitate the transfer of an ill crewmember, Le Splendid’s rudder was hit by flotsam, sending it careening into the side of the Shiziki Maru. The collision ripped a gaping hole in the starboard side of the freighter, setting its diesel tanks alight. Over the subsequent three hours, fire spread to the lower decks of the ship, incurring structural damage to the hull. At 0549 Hours, the Shiziki Maru’s hull cracked in two, sinking her in 14 minutes.

More on the official report here.