On April 25, containership KMTC Surabaya and bulk carrier Glengyle collided on Vietnam’s Long Tau River near Ho Chi Minh City, resulting in an oil spill.
The collision happened at around 10:40 p.m. local time at milepost 15 on the Saigon–Vung Tau waterway. KMTC Surabay struck the port side of Glengyle, causing significant damage to the bulker’s after hold and stern. The force of the collision punctured Glengyle’s hull, and resulted in severe flooding, causing the vessel to partially sink and settle on the river’s shallow bottom.
A fuel oil spill was observed leaking from the bulker’s tanks. Meanwhile, the KMTC Surabaya’s bow sustained visible damage and remained interlocked with Glengyle, with tugs on scene monitoring the situation as of Saturday. Despite the serious structural damage, no casualties or cargo losses were initially reported.
Vietnamese authorities dispatched rescue vessels to separate the ships and launched oil spill containment efforts. Additionally, authorities issued maritime notices to restrict traffic near the accident site and warned vessels to avoid the area, while cleanup and salvage operations continued.
