Vietnam Races to Secure Damaged Bulk Carrier Ahead of Typhoon
Vietnamese authorities are urgently working to secure the Star Bueno, a large dry bulk carrier that ran aground last week. The vessel, which was transporting iron ore from South Africa, is at risk as a powerful typhoon approaches the region. Officials are focused on assessing the damage and ensuring the safety of the crew as they prepare for severe weather conditions.
Grounding Incident and Crew Safety
The Star Bueno, with a deadweight tonnage of 178,978, was anchored and awaiting its berth on October 25 when it encountered a strong monsoon. High winds and turbulent waves caused the vessel to drag its anchor, and despite the crew’s efforts to engage the engines, it could not maintain its position. By October 26, the ship had run aground, leading to water ingress in several compartments of the hull.
In response to the emergency, Vietnamese officials deployed tugboats to assist the vessel and began surveying the extent of the damage. Fortunately, all 22 crew members, hailing from the Philippines and Ukraine, were reported safe and unharmed. The crew managed to stabilize the ship despite the challenging conditions, utilizing portable pumps to remove water from the affected areas. By October 29, their efforts paid off as they successfully refloated the vessel.
Damage Assessment and Typhoon Preparations
Following the refloating, the Star Bueno was relocated to a more secure anchorage. A preliminary survey revealed significant damage to compartments 1, 5, and 7, all of which had taken on seawater during the grounding. Vietnamese authorities are collaborating with the ship’s owners, Star Bulk of Greece, to formulate a comprehensive recovery plan for the vessel.
As the situation develops, officials are on high alert due to the impending arrival of Typhoon No. 13, expected to strike the area on November 6 and 7. Forecasts predict winds reaching force 13, with gusts potentially escalating to force 17. Authorities are urging all maritime operations to take precautionary measures as they brace for the storm’s impact.
