Urgent action to rescue and handle the Star Bueno grounding incident

On November 7, representatives from the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Quảng Ngãi Provincial People’s Committee held a meeting to address the incident involving the grounded Star Bueno vessel off the coast of Dung Quất.

Attending the meeting were Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyễn Xuân Sang, Major General Phạm Văn Tỵ - Deputy Director of the Department of Search and Rescue, Chairman Nguyễn Hoàng Giang, Vice Chairmen Nguyễn Công Hoàng and Đỗ Tâm Hiển, along with the shipowner and technical advisors.

According to the Quảng Ngãi Maritime Administration, due to the impact of Typhoon No.13, the ship’s crew was evacuated on November 5 to ensure safety.

To ensure maritime safety and prevent environmental pollution, the Quảng Ngãi Maritime Administration requested the shipowner to return the crew to the vessel and coordinate with the salvage unit to handle the situation. Two tugboats and four high-capacity pumps have been deployed to stabilize the ship and remove water from the hull.

The shipowner

Major General Phạm Văn Tỵ directed that, under favorable weather conditions, oil should be pumped out of the vessel as soon as possible to prevent environmental risks before the Star Bueno vessel is towed safely to Vân Phong Port (Khánh Hòa) for cargo unloading and further technical inspection.

Deputy Minister Nguyễn Xuân Sang emphasized the need for immediate crew return, strict control of the vessel’s condition, and continuous monitoring during movement. He instructed the Central Oil Spill Response Center to remain on standby until the vessel is safely relocated.

Deputy Minister Nguyễn Xuân Sang

The rescue units (Hải Vân Ship and T&T) were tasked with expediting negotiations and implementing safe, technically sound plans for oil removal and towing.

The Ministry of Construction requested the Việt Nam Maritime and Waterways Administration, the Việt Nam Customs, and local authorities to support the necessary import and customs clearance procedures for rescue equipment.

The Quảng Ngãi Maritime Administration was assigned as the focal point for coordination, regularly reporting to the Ministry of Construction and the Provincial People’s Committee to ensure the incident is resolved promptly and safely.

Minh Thiện