WFP SHIP CARRYING FOOD TO DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA SINKS IN STORMY SEAS
Press Release
WFP/1030
WFP SHIP CARRYING FOOD TO DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA SINKS IN STORMY SEAS
19960320 ROME, 20 March (WFP) -- The World Food Programme (WFP) today announced the ship it chartered to carry its second shipment of rice to flood victims in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has sunk in stormy seas in the Taiwan Strait.The WFP, the food aid arm of the United Nations, said it had been informed by its shipping agents of the Tuesday sinking of the Chinese freighter, the MV Chengda. The Programme said the agents reported that 15 men were missing after the tragic accident. Nine crew members were reported to have been rescued.
"We express our sadness over this tragic accident and our condolences to the many families who have suffered the loss of their dear ones", said Catherine Bertini, WFP Executive Director.
The 2,819-ton MV Chengda was carrying 5,635 tons of WFP rice as well as 903 tons of rice that the WFP was shipping to the People's Democratic Republic of Korea for Caritas. The WFP rice consisted of donations from the United States, Switzerland and Australia.
The ship left Bangkok on 11 March for Nampo, Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The ship was expected to arrive on 23 March.
The WFP announced that because of its insurance arrangements, it can immediately release funds to replace the lost cargo.
The lost shipment marked the second WFP consignment of rice to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea since the country suffered widespread flooding last summer, the worst natural disaster in that country's history. The WFP delivered an initial shipment of 5,140 tons last November. A third WFP shipment of 8,200 tons of rice is due to leave Bangkok for Nampo shortly, WFP officials said.
* *** *