VietNamNet Bridge – Yesterday morning, November 27, the tanker Theresa Bitung of Tuvalu sent a distress signal when its engine room caught on fire and the crew completely lost control over the ship.

Photo: Maritime Bulletin.

At 10.05am, the Coastal Information System Station of Vietnam received a distress signal of the tanker. A distress signal was issued from vicinity 09 35N 111 38E, SW of the Truong Sa Islands, about 272 nautical miles south east from Vung Tau city, Vietnam.

The system immediately notified the search and rescue units in the area and contacted the tanker to gather more information but do it did not get a response.

At noon of the same day, the system confirmed that the engine room of the Theresa Bitung was burned and the crew completely lost control. All of them left the ship.

The relevant agencies of Vietnam enhanced observation assisted the ship in distress and got feedback from the ships operating in the region to support Theresa Bitung.

At 1.44pm, Greek bulk carrier Maiden Voyage rescued the crew members of Theresa Bitung and delivered them to Hong Kong. The Coastal Information Station Systems of Vietnam got in touch with the Maiden Voyage vessel to verify the number of crew members who were saved.

No injures reported, it is understood that abandoned tanker is on fire and drifting.

Product tanker Theresa Bitung, IMO 8618229, dwt 29995, was built in 1989, flag Tuvalu, manager Faffles Shipmanagement Services Private Ltd, Singapore.

Le Ha