On March 11, the passenger ship Binh Minh QN 6048-BM sank at its berth at the port of Tuần Châu in Quảng Ninh, Vietnam. At the time of the sinking, there were two crew and the master on board. When the crew discovered the vessel was sinking, they were able to get ashore before the Binh Minh submerged. No reports of injuries.
Authorities have stated they have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the vessel was later recovered and put back into service.
The 59 meter long, 948 dwt tanker Hai Ha 18 suffered an explosion while berthed at Hai Phong, Vietnam. The Hai Ha 18 had been loaded with 900 tons of gasoline when a fuel pump transferring the fuel malfunctioned causing an explosion. A huge fireball erupted from the starboard tank and dense smoke filled the sky. Local authorities dispatched up to 400 firefighters and 15 fire trucks while two vessels attempted to douse the flames. Fearing the fire would get out of control authorities requested the Hai Ha 18 to be taken under tow away from nearby vessels and buildings. Nearby residents were told to be prepared to evacuate if the fire couldn’t be contained. After several hours, the fire was eventually brought under control.
Damage to the starboard hull was severe with part of the hull collapsed by the intense heat of the fire. Booms were placed around the vessel in case the hull ruptures. The Hai Ha 18 still had some gasoline in its cargo tanks after the fire which will be pumped out. No reports of any deaths from the explosion or fire.
The 79 meter long, 3095 dwt cargo vessel Việt Thuận 68 collided and sank off Nam Dinh, Vietnam. The Việt Thuận 68 had collided with the coastal vessel Phuong Linh 16 sustaining hull damage including water ingress. The crew of the Phuong Linh 16 transferred a pump over to the Việt Thuận 68 while it took it under tow back to port. Two other vessels arrived on scene to help escort the crippled Việt Thuận 68 being towed by the Phuong Linh 16. Before the vessels reached the safety of port, the pumps failed to stop the flooding. Before the Việt Thuận 68 sank, all nine crew were safely rescued. No reports of injuries.