The 96 meter long, 3884 dwt asphalt tanker Bitu Gulf sank in the South China Sea off Phang Rang, Vietnam. The Bitu Gulf was en route to Quy Nhon from Singapore when it suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The crew sent out a mayday which was received by the container ship Ever Summit. The Boxship changed course and located the Bitu Gulf’s crew in a lifeboat. All 16 crewmen were safely rescued. Reports state the cause of the flooding was not yet known.
The 101 meter long, 6275 dwt chemical tanker Tibil suffered an explosion while in the Marmara Sea off Tuzia, Turkey. The vessel was travelling to Tuzia in ballast when there was an explosion in one of the tanks. Four crewmen injured and one perished in the explosion. The vessel suffered minor water ingress and developed a list. All the crew evacuated, but two crew later returned to take part in salvage operations. The vessel was reported to be later towed to a shipyard in Tuzia.
The 153 meter long, 21317 dwt bulk freighter Rich Forest became disabled in the Pacific Ocean near Guam. The bulk carrier was en route to China from the Solomon Islands loaded with timber. The vessel was sailing in heavy seas with 4 meter waves and 20 to 30 knot winds when it suffered a leak. The Rich Forest suffered uncontrolled water ingress in the engine room and the vessel’s pumps were unable to keep up with the flooding. The crew requested assistance with two USCG cutters responding, one from Guam and the other near Saipan. Aircraft were dispatched to the scene and four other vessels (AMVER) diverted course to aid in the rescue. The bulk freighter C.S. Sunshine arrived on scene first and the crew of the Rich Forest abandoned ship. All 24 crewmen from the Rich Forest were rescued by the C.S. Sunshine. No reports of injuries.
Last report stated the Rich Forest was still slowing sinking by the stern, but was still afloat. The vessel owner was working on establishing plans for the Rich Forest salvage.
