Vietnamese officials are actively working to secure a larger dry bulk carrier, the Star Bueno, which ran aground during a recent monsoon. The vessel, weighing 178,978 dwt, was en route from South Africa with a cargo of iron ore when it faced severe weather conditions on October 25. High winds and waves caused it to drag anchor, and despite efforts to maintain its position using engines, it ultimately ran aground by October 26, leading to water ingress in parts of the hull.
In response, Vietnamese authorities deployed tugboats to assist the grounded vessel and began assessing the extent of the damage. Fortunately, all 22 crew members, hailing from the Philippines and Ukraine, were reported safe and unharmed. Amidst challenging weather, the crew managed to stabilize the ship and utilized portable pumps to remove water from the affected areas. By October 29, they successfully refloated the Star Bueno despite winds reaching 40 knots and waves up to 10 feet.
The vessel, built in 2010 and registered in Liberia, has since been relocated to a more secure anchorage. Authorities are collaborating with the ship’s owners, Star Bulk of Greece, to formulate a comprehensive recovery plan. Initial surveys indicated that compartments 1, 5, and 7 sustained damage and took on seawater during the incident. As a powerful typhoon, designated No. 13, is forecasted to impact the area on November 6 and 7, with winds potentially reaching force 17, the situation remains critical.
