On February 28, the Vietnamese-operated tanker SAND, managed by Phuong Dong Oil Transport Co., was en route from India to Iraq with 23 crew members. On March 1, while navigating the Gulf of Oman, approximately 120 nautical miles from the Strait of Hormuz, the vessel received a distress call from the tanker MKD VYOM, which was about 40 nautical miles away. The MKD VYOM, registered in the Marshall Islands, was carrying 61,000 tonnes of oil from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia and reported an uncontrolled fire on board.
Despite the security risks in the region, Captain Bui Duc Tuan made the decision to divert the SAND to assist, after confirming the emergency with his company. The Vietnamese crew navigated through the night, following intermittent VHF signals until they located two lifeboats adrift. They successfully rescued all 21 sailors from the MKD VYOM, including the Ukrainian captain, who had abandoned ship after struggling to extinguish the fire for hours.
The rescued crew members were exhausted from their ordeal, having battled the blaze and drifted at sea. The Vietnamese crew provided them with water, food, and medical assistance during the rescue. Following guidance from Omani authorities, the SAND transported the survivors to waters near Muscat, where they were subsequently transferred to shore on March 2.
This operation exemplified the solidarity and professionalism of Vietnamese seafarers, who prioritized saving lives in a perilous maritime environment.
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