Two cargo ships collided off Phan Rang Bay in the southern coastal province of Ninh Thuan on April 20, threatening the bay with a possible oil spill.
Two cargo ship collided, threatening oil slick off Ninh Thuan
The Ninh Thuan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said on April 21 that it is co-ordinating with relevant authorities to urgently prevent an oil slick in Phan Rang Bay after a collision between two cargo ships.
According to the department, the collision occurred at around 11 pm on April 20 when the Hai Dat 36 carrying 2,500 tonnes of rice collided with the Phuc Tinh 26 carrying 3,200 tonnes of rolled steel sheet.
The accident damaged the Hai Dat 36’s bow, and caused the Phuc Tinh 26 to sink. Eight crew members on board Phuc Tinh fell into the sea but were fortunately rescued.
At the time of sinking, the cabin of Phuc Tinh 26 contained two tonnes of DO oil. The crew did not close the oil shut-off valve, so there is a risk of an oil spill.
After receiving the news, Nha Trang Port Authority instructed the Hai Dat 36 to bring the rescued crew to Cam Ranh. Border Guard Squadron 2 and Dong Hai Border Guard station (under the Ninh Thuan Border Guard Command) deployed forces and vehicles to the scene to prevent an oil spill.
According to the Ninh Thuan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, after the inspection team surveyed the area where the ship sunk, no oil spills so far were recorded. They are still closely monitoring the area to handle possible oil spills while salvage work is underway.
Ninh Thuan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has in the meantime requested the provincial Department of Fisheries to guide companies and shrimp hatcheries in the Phan Rang - Thap Cham and Ninh Phuoc districts to monitor the quality of water and have proper water treatment plans to ensure production.
