Vung Tau - Shipwreck Log

Theresa Bitung

November 27, 2013 Paul Hancock

The 172 meter long, 29995 dwt chemical tanker Theresa Bitung caught fire while en route to Singapore from China. The tanker was proceeding with just ballast between Vung Tau, Vietnam and the Spratly Islands when a fire started in the vessel’s engine room. The blaze quickly grew out of control as it spread through the superstructure. The crew of 26 were able to send out a distress call before they abandoned ship into the lifeboats. Authorities out of MRCC Hainan received the distress call and coordinated rescue efforts. The 58722 dwt bulk carrier Maiden Voyage responded to the scene and rescued all the crew a few hours later. No reports of injuries. The Theresa Bitung was last reported adrift and still on fire. The owners have dispatched a tug and other vessels to scene. No details were provided if the tanker will be salvaged, scrapped or sunk.

The Maiden Voyage came to the rescue of the Theresa Bitung crew.

Hai Xuan 116

November 25, 2013 Paul Hancock

The 3221 dwt bulk freighter Hai Xuan 116 went aground near Vũng Tàu, Vietnam. The freighter was en route to Dong Nai from Hai Phong with 3,000 tons of ore when it became disabled. The vessel’s steering system malfunctioned and the Hai Xuan 116 drifted ashore. No reports of injuries to the 11 crew on board. Authorities had dispatched a vessel to help coordinate salvage efforts. Reports state there is a risk for the hull to fracture

Fire on sunken Heung-A Dragon

November 10, 2013 Paul Hancock

The 162 meter long, 18181 dwt sunken container ship Heung-A Dragon suffered a fire while remaining partially sunk off Vung Tau, Vietnam. The fire started in one of the vessel’s 40 foot containers which spilled out white and yellow smoke. Authorities dispatched the fire boat Duy Dong 2 to the scene, but the blaze was larger than the fire fighters could battle. Fire fighters continued to fight the blaze and was able to get it under control. There was some concerns that the fire could spread to the 700 containers still on board which contain dangerous and hazardous chemicals.