On Dey 16, 1396 (January 6, 2018), the Iranian oil tanker Sanchi, carrying approximately 136,000 tons of condensate, caught fire and sank in the East China Sea after colliding with a Chinese cargo ship. All 32 crew members aboard the Sanchi lost their lives, and efforts to extinguish the fire and rescue the crew were unsuccessful. The Sanchi disaster stands as one of Iran’s largest maritime tragedies in recent decades and raised widespread concerns about its environmental consequences. The incident received extensive coverage in both domestic and international media, leading to renewed scrutiny of maritime transport safety and shipping standards in Iran and the region. The sinking of the Sanchi is regarded as a significant event in Iranian maritime history, serving as a reminder of the importance of safety regulations and the protection of crew lives and the marine environment. This date was officially designated in the Jalali calendar from 1396 onward due to the national and international significance of the disaster, to commemorate the tragedy and highlight the importance of maritime safety. According to Islamic Republic sources, this observance is registered and presented in the official calendar in this form and with these descriptions.
