TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A floating dock vessel of the Taiwan Navy sank in a Kaohsiung harbor on Thursday morning during a buoyancy test.
The Navy Logistics Command No. 6 floating dock at the Zuoying Naval Base began taking on water in the port and starboard compartments for unknown reasons. Despite attempts to clear the hull compartments, the floating dock sank around 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, reported UDN.
No injuries were reported during the incident, and a full investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the accident. A team will also be organized to manage the disposal of the sunken vessel.
Floating docks are a crucial piece of equipment for Navy forces. As a mobile dock, they can drastically reduce the time needed to tow or repair damaged ships.
The No. 6 floating dock has been in service for over 70 years, per UDN. It was capable of housing and lifting ships of up to 3,000 tonnes for repair work.
The Navy recognized the risks of relying on the outdated floating dock and commissioned the CSBC Corporation to build a new, larger floating dock in 2024. The project, with a cost of NT$860 million (US$28.7 million), began in May last year, and the keel for the new dock was laid in January.
The new dock will measure 126 meters long and 36 meters across at its widest point. It will be capable of accommodating vessels that weigh up to 3,800 tonnes. It is expected to be completed and in service by November 2026.
