The Quang Ngai Maritime Administration said on September 20 that it was working with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the vessel Merchant Mariner, which encountered difficulties about 15 nautical miles from Dung Quat Port.
Merchant Mariner, a Greek-flagged vessel measuring more than 290 metres in length and with a deadweight capacity of 179,570 tonnes, was carrying nearly 175,000 tonnes of iron ore from Malaysia to Dung Quat Port. The ship has a crew of 24 on board.
The vessel encountered problems about 15 nautical miles from Dung Quat port (Photo: Nguyen Tanh).
According to authorities, the vessel entered waters off Quang Ngai Province on September 18 and subsequently developed a slight list.
Seawater was reported to have entered ballast tanks numbered 4, 5 and 6 on the port side of the vessel. These tanks are used to regulate the ship's balance and stability.
Following an inspection, authorities said the vessel may have struck a submerged rock.
The Quang Ngai Maritime Administration has coordinated with relevant agencies to develop measures aimed at ensuring the safety of the ship and its crew.
The shipowner, the vessel's master and Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel Joint Stock Company, the consignee of the iron ore cargo, have been instructed to jointly prepare a cargo-handling plan appropriate to the vessel's condition.
Authorities said unloading operations would only be permitted once all safety requirements had been met and a coordinated plan had been approved by the relevant agencies.