Vietnam – Shipwreck Log

Transformer OL

September 23, 2024 Paul Hancock

On September 19, the 169 meter long, 28,375 dwt bulk carrier Transformer OL collided with the fishing vessel BV99778TS some 22 nautical miles southeast of Con Dao, Vietnam. The Transformer OL was headed for Vung Tau from Chittagong when it struck the fishing vessel. The BV99778TS capsized and partially sank sending all of its 14 crew into the sea. The nearby fishing boats, BV99359TS and BV99278TS, responded and rescued 12 of the crew and brought them ashore. One crewman sustained serious injuries who was taken ashore to Con Dao for treatment. No reports of damage, injuries or pollution released on the Transformer OL.

The Vietnam Coast Guard was contacted and launched a search and rescue for the 2 missing crew. The Coast Guard conducted a search over 2 days in worsening weather as waves increased to 7 meters high and winds reaching 45 miles per hour. On September 21, the Coast Guard Ship 2011 found the body of one of the missing crew. The body was recovered and was transported back to shore to authorities and family. No further details reported.

An Binh Phat 68

September 18, 2024 Paul Hancock

On September 18, the 79 meter long cargo vessel An Binh Phat 68 (MMSI: 574014535) capsized and sank off Thang Binh, Vietnam. The An Binh Phat 68 was en route to Ky Ha, Quang Ngai with 4000 tons of crushed stone when it lost stability amidst strong winds and high waves. The master of the An Binh Phat 68 alerted authorities the vessel was in distress and requested assistance. Before any rescue could be attempted, the cargo vessel developed a 45 degree list to port further allowing water ingress into its hold. The An Binh Phat 68 was in danger of sinking and the eight crew abandoned ship onto the vessel’s two life rafts. The Vietnam Coast Guard dispatched one of their vessel’s to the scene. The Coast Guard was later able to recover all 8 crew from the life rafts. No reports of injuries.

Reports state the An Binh Phat 68 did completely sink. Authorities had requested the master of the An Binh Phat 68 to close all the valves to the fuel tanks before abandoning it, but no confirmation if this prevented any pollution being released.

Super Typhoon Yagi

September 9, 2024 Paul Hancock

On September 7th, Super Typhoon Yagi, also named Tropical Storm Enteng in the Philippines, made landfall in Vietnam as a Category 5 storm. Yagi had winds over 160 miles per hour when it struck the Vietnam coast near Quang Ninh. The storm surge and large waves quickly impacted vessels anchored in the port Tuần Châu in Quảng Ninh. Many vessels had been securely moored prior to the storm landing, but many vessels were swamped by the waves. Crews did attempt to pump out the water ingress, but they were unable to save the vessels which sunk by the stern.

Reports say over 30 vessels damaged or sunk by the Typhoon. Here is a partial list of vessels impacted by Super Typhoon Yagi:

Passenger Ship Victory Star, QN-8899 capsized by strong winds and partially sunk off Ha Long.
Passenger Ship Hai Ninh, 48 QN-6108 sunk by the stern at Tuần Châu.
Passenger Ship Binh Minh, 48 QN-6048 sunk by the stern at Tuần Châu.
Passenger Ship 40 QN-3016 sunk by the stern at Tuần Châu.
Passenger Ship Do Thi Nga, 48 QN-5508 sunk by the stern at Tuần Châu.
Fishing Vessel QNg 95109TS sunk by waves in Ha Long with 5 crew on board. All five crew rescued by a food processing vessel with no injuries.
Fishing Vessel QNg 95576TS sunk by waves while anchored off Ha Long with 6 crew on board. All six crew swam ashore safely.
Fishing Vessel [Unnamed] sunk by waves in Ha Long with 2 crew on board. Both crew were rescued by a food processing vessel.