Capesize Bulker Merchant Mariner Suffers Flooding off Dung Quat, Vietnam – 24 Crew Safe
Merchant Mariner bulker flooding Dung Quat Vietnam incident has put a giant capesize bulk carrier in distress off the coast of Vietnam. Authorities at Quang Ngai Port are working on an emergency plan to offload the vessel after it started taking on water.
The incident happened on Friday morning, September 19, 2026, as the bulker Merchant Mariner was inbound for the industrial port of Dung Quat, home to the giant Hoa Phat steel plant.
According to The Maritime Executive, the ship had a cargo of 174,000 tonnes of Malaysian iron ore on board, with a draft of about 18.4 meters.
Merchant Mariner hits reef? AIS data shows sudden speed drop
At about 1130 hours, the crew contacted local authorities and reported flooding in three ballast tanks, potentially caused by contact with a reef at a position about 15 nautical miles off the port.
AIS data provided by Pole Star Global shows that the vessel passed through shallower water with isolated soundings of as little as 18 meters. While transiting this area, she slowed suddenly from 10.5 to five knots, then regained speed.
The Maritime Authority said the ship went to anchor and continued to settle lower in the water through the day, her draft increasing to 19.7 meters at the stern by Friday evening.
The crew were instructed to close off tank valves as a precautionary measure, and a tug was put on standby.
Merchant Mariner bulker flooding Dung Quat Vietnam
Quang Ngai Port Authority Emergency Plan – Crew Safe, No Pollution
Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority has requested the vessel’s master and the Hoa Phat ore terminal to come up with a safe plan to unload the ship despite her damaged condition.
All 24 crewmembers are safe and no pollution has been reported, the authority said, and there are no signs of water in her cargo holds.
As of Monday morning, September 21, 2026, Merchant Mariner was still anchored north of Dung Quat, awaiting further developments.
This incident comes at a time when shipping incidents have increased globally, including recent tanker attacks near Strait of Hormuz. For more on maritime security, read our coverage on El Gaia tanker attack near Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Hormuz why this waterway controls 20 percent of world oil.
Sources: The Maritime Executive, Dung Quat Port Border Guard Station, Pole Star Global AIS.
What Happened to Merchant Mariner bulker flooding Dung Quat Vietnam?
The Merchant Mariner bulker flooding Dung Quat Vietnam incident is a serious warning about shallow water navigation. According to Pole Star Global AIS data, the vessel slowed from 10.5 to 5 knots after passing over 18-meter shallow area, which suggests possible reef contact 15 nm off Dung Quat port.
Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority confirmed Merchant Mariner bulker flooding Dung Quat Vietnam has not caused pollution and cargo holds are dry. The 24 crew are safe. The Hoa Phat ore terminal is planning to offload 174,000 tonnes of Malaysian iron ore safely. This comes amid rising maritime incidents globally, including recent tanker attacks near Strait of Hormuz. Read our detailed report on Strait of Hormuz why this 21-mile waterway controls 20 percent of world oil.
Update Sep 21, 2026: Merchant Mariner bulker flooding Dung Quat Vietnam operation is still underway. The vessel remains anchored north of Dung Quat as authorities finalize the iron ore offloading plan to Hoa Phat steel plant. Local tug SAR 06 is on standby. This Merchant Mariner bulker flooding Dung Quat Vietnam incident highlights risks for Capesize bulkers in shallow Vietnamese waters.
For official updates, follow The Maritime Executive and Dung Quat Port Authority.
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