TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Maritime and Port Bureau canceled an attempt to pump oil out of a Chinese cargo ship stranded near the north coast due to rough seas Saturday (Nov. 2).

The “Yu Zhou Qi Hang” lost engine power Tuesday as Typhoon Kong-rey was approaching Taiwan. The 17 crew members were evacuated to safety, but the ship, carrying three gantry cranes, drifted until it stranded near Yehliu Geopark in New Taipei.

A tugboat stood by to tow it away, but the authorities decided that removing oil products from the vessel was more important. Oil containment fences were installed to protect three fishing harbors and a nuclear power plant in the area.

Pumping the oil out of the Chinese ship was scheduled to begin Saturday, but even though the typhoon had moved away, the weather was still too rough to allow the operation to proceed safely, per CNA. The two ships assigned with the task arrived at the scene at 9 a.m., but 2-meter-high waves made their work impossible.

Depending on the weather conditions, they will try again on Sunday, according to the Maritime and Port Bureau.