One Dead in Vessel Collision off Vietnam

The captain of an inland cargo ship has died following a collision involving a bulk carrier off Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

The 1,620 dwt cargo vessel collided with the 60,434 dwt wood chips carrier Daio Southern Cross in the early morning hours of January 7, local media cited a report from Quang Ninh Maritime Port Authority.

Shortly after the collision, the cargo ship reportedly split in two and sunk. At the time, the unit was crewed by 5 seafarers. Four sailors were rescued, while the body of the fifth crew member was found in the ship’s cabin following a search and rescue operation.

Relevant authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and asked the Panama-flagged Daio Southern Cross to remain in Hon Gai anchorage as information regarding the collision are being collected.

AIS data provided by Marine Traffic shows that the wood chips carrier, crewed by 20 sailors, was on its way from Mishima, Japan at the time.

World Maritime News Staff