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• 2 min de lectura
The authorities of the central province of Quang Ngai, Vietnam, are coordinating urgent measures to respond to an incident involving the Greek-flagged vessel Merchant Mariner, which experienced water ingress in its ballast tanks while approaching Dung Quat.
According to the Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority and the Dung Quat Port Border Guard Station, the incident occurred approximately 15 nautical miles from the anchorage area, while the vessel was transporting over 174,000 tons of iron ore from Malaysia.
The captain discovered water ingress in ballast tanks number 4, 5, and 6 on the port side, causing a slight list to the vessel. Initial assessments indicated that the vessel may have collided with an underwater rock formation while navigating.
The vessel has 24 crew members (eight Greek and 16 Filipino), under the command of Greek Captain Chondros Charilaos. It is also carrying approximately 3,375 tons of fuel oil and 227 tons of diesel, which has led authorities to intensify measures to prevent any potential oil spill.
The 24 sailors are safe and in stable condition. No water has been detected in the cargo holds, and no signs of environmental contamination have been reported, but the vessel's draft is increasing over time.
The Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority has requested the shipowner and captain to urgently develop and implement an emergency salvage plan, assess potential hull damage, and adopt preventive measures, including closing fuel tank valves and having a tugboat permanently on standby 24 hours a day.
The Dung Quat Port Border Station has completed the entry procedures for the vessel and its crew and has authorized access to the area for rescue teams, insurers, and surveyors.
Border guards maintain 24-hour operations, reinforcing patrols and closely monitoring the vessel, while preserving safety and order in the anchorage area.
On September 20, the relevant agencies continued to assess the situation and prepare plans to lighten the cargo and resolve the incident, ensuring the safety of people and vessels in the waters of Dung Quat Port.