Quang ngai: Authorities in central Quang Ngai province are urgently coordinating measures to respond to an incident involving the Greek-flagged ore carrier Merchant Mariner, which took on water in its ballast tanks while approaching Dung Quat waters.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority and the Dung Quat Port Border Guard Station, the incident occurred about 15 nautical miles from the anchorage area at around 4pm on September 18, 2026, when the vessel was carrying more than 174,000 tonnes of iron ore from Malaysia to Dung Quat Port.

Emergency response teams are currently engaged in efforts to stabilize the situation and ensure the safety of the crew on board the Merchant Mariner. The water ingress in the ballast tanks has raised concerns about the vessel's buoyancy, prompting immediate action from local maritime authorities.

Efforts are being made to assess the extent of the damage and to determine the best course of action to prevent further complications. Coordination between various agencies, including the Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority and the Dung Quat Port Border Guard Station, is crucial in managing the emergency response effectively.

The incident highlights the importance of swift action in maritime emergencies to protect both human lives and the environment from potential hazards. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.