A non-operational cruise vessel listed sharply on its starboard side in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, as high tides from Typhoon Bavi hit the area [1, 2].
The incident highlights the vulnerability of stationary maritime assets during extreme weather events and the potential for coastal infrastructure damage during typhoons.
The vessel was located in eastern China when the weather system brought surging tides to the region [1, 2]. Reports said the ship tilted significantly toward its starboard side as a result of the environmental pressure caused by the storm [1, 2].
Eyewitness videos documenting the listing vessel were released on July 14 [2] and July 15, 2026 [2]. The footage shows the scale of the ship's tilt against the coastline of Zhejiang province.
Local authorities in Wenzhou have not released further details regarding the current stability of the vessel or potential environmental risks associated with the listing. The ship was confirmed to be non-operational at the time of the event [1, 2].
Typhoon Bavi's impact on the region included the high tides that directly led to the vessel's instability [1, 2]. The event occurred over a two-day window between July 14 and July 15, 2026 [2].
“A non-operational cruise vessel listed sharply on its starboard side”
The listing of a non-operational vessel during a typhoon underscores the risks associated with 'ghost ships' or decommissioned vessels left in coastal areas. Without active crew or propulsion to reposition the ship, these structures become stationary targets for storm surges, potentially creating navigational hazards or environmental pollutants if they capsize completely.
