A tragic maritime incident off the southern coast of Vietnam has led to a criminal investigation following the collision of two vessels that resulted in the deaths of nine sailors. The accident, which occurred in late March, has raised serious concerns about safety protocols and human error in the shipping industry.
A criminal investigation has been initiated into the ship collision that killed nine sailors.
A criminal investigation has been initiated into the ship collision that killed nine sailors.
The incident involved the cargo ship Hai Thanh 26 and the tanker Petrolimex 14.
Initial reports suggest that human negligence may be a potential cause of the accident.
The sunken vessel has not been recovered yet, complicating the investigation.
Incident Overview
On March 28, 2023, the cargo ship Hai Thanh 26, which was transporting clinker to the Mekong Delta, sank approximately 44 nautical miles from Vung Tau. The collision involved the Hai Thanh 26 and the Petrolimex 14, a tanker operated by the state-run Petrolimex, Vietnam’s most prominent fuel wholesaler. While the Petrolimex 14 was able to rescue the captain and a deck officer from the Hai Thanh, the remaining crew members tragically lost their lives.
Investigation Details
Authorities in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province have officially opened a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. This decision follows a report from the provincial maritime administration, which ruled out technical malfunctions and adverse weather conditions as contributing factors. Instead, the report pointed to human negligence as a likely cause, prompting further scrutiny into the actions of the crew and the operational protocols of both vessels involved.
Human Negligence Under Scrutiny
The investigation will focus on several key areas:
Crew Training and Experience: Assessing the qualifications and training of the crew members on both vessels.
Operational Procedures: Reviewing the adherence to safety protocols and navigational practices.
Communication: Evaluating the communication between the vessels before the collision.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that both ships complied with maritime regulations.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
As of now, the sunken Hai Thanh 26, a 3,000-ton vessel, has not been recovered. The recovery operation is complicated by the depth of the water and the potential hazards posed by the wreckage. Authorities are working to determine the best approach for recovering the vessel and any remaining evidence that could aid in the investigation.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of nine lives in this maritime accident has sparked a critical examination of safety practices within Vietnam’s shipping industry. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that lessons will be learned to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring the safety of all maritime operations in the region.
