Vietnam - Shipwreck Log

On the afternoon of July 19, the passenger ship Wonder Sea capsized in Halong Bay near Dau Go Cave, Vietnam. The Wonder Sea was out on an excursion voyage with 53 persons on board, 48 passengers and 5 crew, when it was caught out in a storm. Reports state the Wonder Sea lost stability in strong winds and capsized.

Vietnamese authorities were alerted with vessels from the navy, border patrol, local police and port authorities responding. Over 25 vessels were engaged in a search and rescue operation looking for survivors. Initial reports state some 11 people had been rescued from the water. Unfortunately some 34 bodies have also been recovered from the sea.

The search for the missing persons had some difficulty in the darkness and heavy rains still persist in the area. Divers continue to search the overturned Wonder Sea. The incident is under investigation.

Công Thành 07

May 27, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the the evening May 25, the 80 meter long, 5162 ton cargo vessel Cong Thanh 07 (MMSI: 574013703) sank in the South China Sea 7 nautical miles off Ky Anh City, Ky Loi commune, Vietnam. The Cong Thanh 07 was headed to Quang Binh from Quang Ninh with a cargo of 4900 tons of coal when it suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The cargo vessel quickly developed a list as the cargo hold flooded.

The vessel sent a distress call with the Ha Tinh Port Authority responding. Authorities launched a search and rescue operation which found all 11 crew who had abandoned ship before the Cong Thanh 07 sank. The crew members were safely transported to Vung Ang. No reports of injuries.

Reports state the owner of the Cong Thanh 07 was ordered to develop a salvage plan as the vessel sits in 30 meters of water. Authorities have asked all fuel and oil be removed off the wreck. This includes 30 tons of oil and 100 litres of lubricating oil. Authorities have broadcast alerts to warn vessels in the area of the wreck and salvage operation.

Long Tau River Collision

April 26, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the night of April 25, the 200 meter long, 34152 dwt container ship KMTC Surabaya (IMO: 9821081) collided with the 181 meter long, 37679 dwt bulk carrier Glengyle (IMO: 9727285) on the Long Tau River at An Thoi Dong, Ho chi Minh, Vietnam. The KMTC Surabaya bow struck the Glengyle just forward the superstructure along its port hull nearly breaking the vessel in two. With part of the hull ripped open, the Glengyle sustained uncontrolled water ingress in one of the holds and engine room causing the vessel to partially sink by the stern. The KMTC Surabaya sustained bow damage, but was able to contain the water ingress and was in no danger of sinking. There were no reports of injuries on either vessel.

Vietnamese Authorities responded to the incident and found the Glengyle had released oil pollution resulting in an oil sheen around both vessels. Containment booms were placed to contain the pollution.

Reports state the vessels were still locked together as both vessels drifted towards the shoreline. Salvage plans state the vessels will be pulled away from each other. Authorities state that maritime traffic in the area was not impacted by the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.