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Tag: South China Sea

USS New Orleans

USS New Orleans

USS New Orleans
Photo: Japan Coast Guard

On the evening of August 20, the USS New Orleans caught fire in the South China Sea off Okinawa, Japan. The USS New Orleans was at anchor when a fire broke out on the the vessel.  The amphibious transport dock ship requested assistance with the Japanese Coast Guard responding. United States Navy reports that it took 12 hours by the combine efforts before the fire was eventually extinguished.  Two sailors on the USS New Orleans sustained minor injuries. The Navy has launched an investigation into the incident.  The cause of and extent of damage by the fire was not disclosed. No pollution was released.

USS New Orleans
Photo: Japan Coast Guard
BD98470TS

BD98470TS

BD98470TS
Photo: sggp.org.vn

On the morning of August 14, the 18.2 meter long fishing vessel BD98570TS ran aground in the South China Sea 1 nautical mile off the coast of Xom Cat Village, Vietnam. The tuna fishing vessel had struck a reef resulting in uncontrolled water ingress. The BD98470TS partially sank. There were no injuries to the 5 crew on board.

The fishing vessel requested assistance with the Vietnam authorities dispatching a border patrol vessel to the scene.  The patrol vessel was able to locate the BD98570TS  and rescue all crew members.  Authorities were able to help dewater the fishing vessel and pull the vessel off the reef.  Reports state the BD98470TS was taken under tow back to Quy Nhon port for repairs.

GT Unity

GT Unity

GT Unity
Photo: plo.vn

On the morning of August 8, the 118 meter long, 7631 dwt tanker GT Unity (IMO: 9507506) caught fire in South China Sea some 104 nautical miles south-southeast of Con Dao, Vietnam. The GT Unity was en route to Dung Quat from Malaysia with a cargo of 3800 tons of crude oil when a fire started in the vessel’s engine room. The blaze was started after an electrical short and quickly grew out of control. The crew contacted Vietnam authorities which requested other nearby vessels to assist as it sent out a rescue vessel to the scene.

Initial reports stated that 16 of the 20 crew on board the GT Unity had been evacuated off the vessel. One crew member was injured and taken by a rescue vessel back to shore.  The owner of the GT Unity was asked to secure additional vessels and fire fighting equipment.

Later reports stated that all crew off the GT Unity were rescued and the fire had been extinguished.  The extent of damage of the fire was not disclosed.