Vessel Merchant Mariner Suffers Water Ingress Off Quang Ngai

The 291.9-metre bulk carrier Merchant Mariner suffered water ingress and developed a five-degree list off Quang Ngai, Vietnam, on September 18 while carrying more than 174,000 tonnes of ore from Malaysia to Dung Quat. Water entered port-side water tanks in compartments No. 4, 5 and 6, but no ingress was reported in the cargo holds. All 24 crew members were safe. Vietnamese authorities are monitoring the vessel and coordinating response measures, with tugs placed on standby. The shipowner was instructed to prevent pollution and maintain stability. Authorities are also preparing a plan to discharge the cargo safely.