On January 16, the 75 meter long, 2368 dwt cargo vessel Viet Phu 16 suffered hull damage in the East China Sea near Cu Lao Cham Island, Quang Nam, Vietnam. The Viet Phu 16 was en route from Hai Phong to Chu Lai with 2330 tons of cement when it struck bottom. The vessel sustained bow hull damage and two cargo holds were holed. The crew directed the vessel to shallow waters off Cu Lao Cham Island to avoid sinking.

Authorities dispatched to scene and inspected the hull damage. Divers were later called to conduct repairs to the hull. No reports of injuries to the 10 crew and no pollution released.