The Asahi website reported that the 28,400-dwt CSE Clipper Express (built 2005) got stuck on Wednesday afternoon 400 metres from Akita prefecture on Honshu.

It had left Akita in ballast, heading for Taiwan.

Winds speeds were reported at 25 metres per second and there were waves of up eight metres.

The crew of 20, including 11 Taiwanese and nine Chinese, was not injured.

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