.JPG)
QUẢNG NGÃI — Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Đỗ Tâm Hiển on November 4 chaired a meeting with relevant departments, agencies, and representatives of the shipowner to discuss response measures to the grounding incident involving the Star Bueno vessel off the coast of Dung Quất.
According to the Quảng Ngãi Maritime Administration, on October 26, the Star Bueno (Liberian-flagged, 178,978 DWT), carrying over 174,000 tonnes of iron ore from Saldanha Bay, South Africa, to Dung Quất Port, drifted from its anchorage and ran aground due to rough seas and strong winds. The vessel had 22 crew members on board at the time.
Immediately after the incident, maritime authorities inspected the ship’s technical condition, mobilised tugboats to assist, and instructed the shipowner to promptly develop a salvage and environmental protection plan. By October 29, the Star Bueno had refloated and moved to a safer anchorage.
However, water was later found to have entered several cargo holds, prompting further inspection and pumping efforts. The area is now forecast to be affected by Storm No. 13.
At the meeting, the salvage consulting unit presented a rescue plan to ensure the ship’s safety and prevent cargo or fuel leakage. Two tugboats have been deployed off the Quảng Ngãi coast, ready to respond in case of emergency.
The Maritime Administration and the consulting team recommended moving the vessel southward to avoid the storm.
However, the shipowner proposed remaining at the current location due to uncontrolled seawater ingress and suggested relocating to waters near Lý Sơn Island for shelter before being towed to Vũng Tàu for repair after the storm.
Representatives from the Central Region Oil Spill Response Centre warned of potential environmental risks and said two specialised response vessels were on standby. They also recommended that Quảng Ngãi prepare onshore and offshore response forces for possible incidents.
The provincial Border Guard Command opposed moving the ship to Lý Sơn Island, as the area lies in the predicted storm path.
They urged the shipowner to unload part of the cargo to reduce risks and instructed relevant agencies to develop a detailed contingency plan with adequate materials and equipment for rapid response.
Concluding the meeting, Vice Chairman Đỗ Tâm Hiển directed the shipowner and Hòa Phát Dung Quất Steel JSC to coordinate closely with the Quảng Ngãi Maritime Administration to finalise an emergency response plan ensuring crew safety and minimising potential damage.
He also ordered the implementation of oil spill prevention measures in accordance with regulations.
The Vice Chairman assigned the Maritime Administration to monitor and supervise the shipowner’s actions and report to the Provincial People’s Committee by 3 p.m. on November 4.
The Office of the Provincial People’s Committee was tasked with reporting the incident to the Government Office, the Ministry of Construction, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, while the provincial Military Command will establish a steering committee to coordinate the incident response.
M.H
.JPG)
.jpg)
