Ming Dynasty replica junk sinks (BBC) {16th-Cent. vessel crossed Pacific twice}

[eppur_se_muova]

A replica 16th-Century junk has sunk off Taiwan, one day short of completing an epic voyage to the US and back.

The Ming dynasty-style Princess Taiping was trying to prove that China's greatest admiral, Zheng He, could have reached North America 600 years ago.

After surviving several storms during its 10-month voyage, the junk broke in two and sank after it was rammed by a freighter just off Taiwan's coast.

All 11 crew members were rescued after being found adrift on the wreckage.

"We have worked so hard for so many years, but we failed at the last minute, I'm really ashamed," said Taiwanese captain Liu Ningsheng after being rescued by the coast guard.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8020206.stm


"Failed"? They were rammed!

Very interesting for those who have read Louise Levathe's "When China Ruled the Seas" or Gavin Menzies's "1421:The Year China Discovered America". Also of interest to anyone interested in recreating (pre)historic voyages -- the Kon-Tiki, Ra, Brendan, etc.

[DoctorMyEyes]

1. I'm with you

I don't see how what they accomplished could be construed as anything but a success! They were RAMMED by a 20th century vessel within a day of their destination.