The Vietnam Maritime Administration reported a successful offshore search and rescue operation, providing timely aid to 20 crew members aboard a burning oil tanker.

At noon local time on Friday, August 8, the Vietnamese-flagged tanker GT Unity (7,631 DWT) suffered an electrical fire. The vessel had 20 crew members onboard.

Built in 2008, the tanker was carrying 3,872 tons of crude oil. It was en route from Malaysia to Dung Quat port, Vietnam, located between 104 nautical miles southwest of Con Dao and 191 nautical miles from Vang Tau Cape in southern Vietnam, within the Ho Chi Minh City area.

The container ship Androusa (53,439 DWT), owned by Costamare, was in the vicinity. Vietnamese authorities requested assistance from Androusa, which was sailing from China to Singapore.

Upon arrival at the burning tanker, Androusa reported that 16 of the 20 crew had abandoned ship. The container vessel successfully rescued all 20 crew members.

Vietnamese authorities also alerted the Navy, Coast Guard, and staff from a nearby drilling platform to join the rescue efforts. A patrol boat arrived on site to evacuate injured crew members, with one reported in critical condition.

Le Do Muoi, Director of the Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration, announced that certificates of commendation will be awarded to the captain and crew of Androusa for their responsible actions during the incident.

The owner of GT Unity has been instructed to arrange firefighting and salvage operations for the drifting vessel.