Total losses increase in 1998

Highlighted in the report is the increase in the number of people lost, which jumped from less than 100 in 1997 to 359 last year. The loss of

Princess of the Orient

in the Philippines accounted for 150 of the casualties.

Bulk carrier losses almost doubled to 13 in 1998 against seven the previous year and showed a slight rise in tonnage to 183,027g from 144,281g. Older bulkers feature most in the loss statistics while the smaller bulk carriers are more likely to be detained by PSC authorities, notes the IUA.