18 Seamen Evacuated as Cargo Vessel Burns in Tonkin Bay

A Mongolia-flagged bulk carrier South Star caught fire while moored in Tonkin Bay, Hai Phong, Vietnam, on February 2, according to local media.

The fire, which started in the vessel’s accommodation area, was extinguished some two hours later by the local authorities.

The incident caused significant damage to the 1985-built cargo vessel, and although the vessel remained afloat, it will need to undergo repairs before it continues its journey.

Eighteen crew members, all of Vietnamese nationality, who were aboard the 27,652 dwt South Star at the time of the incident, were evacuated without casualties.

Local authorities began an investigation into the cause of the fire.

World Maritime News Staff