On January 11, the Vietnam Maritime Administration (VMA) reported the successful rescue of the crew of the Dolphin 18, which encountered distress in international waters.

At 4:19 a.m., the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (VNMRCC) received an emergency signal from the Dolphin 18, operated by Hai Phuong Shipping Co., Ltd., based in Truc Ninh District, Nam Dinh.

The vessel, carrying 5,344 cubic meters of wood, was en route from Papua New Guinea to My Thoi, Vietnam, when it issued a distress signal approximately 202 nautical miles off the coast of Ca Mau.

Upon receiving the distress call, the VMA attempted to contact the Dolphin 18 but received no response. Recognizing the grave and complex nature of the situation, compounded by severe weather conditions, the VMA sought assistance from neighboring countries’ rescue agencies, including Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Ships operating in the area were mobilized to locate the Dolphin 18 while specialized search and rescue units were dispatched.

At 6:55 a.m., the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority reported that the vessel Nicolai Maersk had located and rescued all 18 crew members of the Dolphin 18.

The rescued sailors received medical care and are now in stable condition.

The VMA continues to work with Hai Phuong Shipping Co., Ltd., to provide information and facilitate the repatriation of the crew.

Pham Cong