VietNamNet Bridge – The Vietnam Maritime Administration says that the number of waterway accidents increased greatly in 2011. Before the Vinalines Queen case, 22 people were reported dead and missing in waterway accidents.
According to a report released on December 23 by the Vietnam Maritime Administration, the total waterway accidents in Vietnam, prior to the Vinalines Queen, was 60, an increase of 17 cases over last year. Most of the cases were caused by collision.

The number of shipwreck cases reduced by five cases, with four ocean vessels and four small boats totally damaged. Twenty people were dead and missing in these cases. The number is equivalent to half of last year.

Of the 60 waterway accidents, four cases are considered by the Vietnam Maritime Administration as extremely serious.

In early April, the 2,400 DWT Binh Minh 28 ship hit Phuc Hai 5, which is over 15,100 tonnage, in Cu Lao Cham in the central province of Quang Nam. The smaller ship was sunken immediately, with all cargos and over 8,000l of oil. The accident killed three and two others were missing.

By mid-July, another accident occurred near Hai Phong’s Chua Ve port. The Methi Bhum had a collision with two naval ships which were anchoring. Three ships were seriously damaged.

Two months later, the Medbaykal (Syrup nationality) hit a barge which was carrying 1,000 tons of rock on the way from HCM City to Vung Tau city. The barge was sunken, three sailors went missing.

In mid-December, the Huong Dien 09 ship broke down near Co To Island in Quang Ninh province. Big waves overturned the ship, with 1,000 tons of coal. Three sailors died and two others were missing.

The four above cases have the same thing: they all happened near the shore or in the inland waterways. As a result, the searching and rescue activities were conducted favorably, restricting human loss. The case like Vinalines Queen is very rare.

The Vietnam Maritime Administration said that the major reason is related to ship operators. In many cases, sailors and officers did not obey the rules. Some ships used outdated equipment. Other reasons are associated with facilities of seaports, navigation, weather, etc.

PV