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 53 meter long freighter Shu Hang 998 sank in the South China Sea in Typhoon Haiyan near Sanya, China. The Shu Hang 998 had dropped anchor off Sanya Port planning to ride out the storm. During the strong winds and large waves, the vessel’s mooring lines snapped. The storm pushed the vessel away from Sanya before it was overwhelmed and foundered. The seven crew on board were initially reported missing. Rescues efforts the following day recovered two bodies.
The freighter Jung Soon sank in the South China Sea off the coast of Borneo near Tanjung Manis, Malaysia. The vessel was en route to Kuching from Sibu with its cargo of timber when it’s hull suffered water ingress and sank. One crew man was missing, but eleven others were able to swim to safety. Local authorities launched a search and rescue mission for the missing crewman. The incident is under investigation.
