General cargo ship XIN HONG issued distress signal at around 1630 LT (UTV +7) Dec 17 in South China sea off Phu Quy island, southern Vietnam, northeast of Vung Tau. The ship with 7,800 tons of clay on board and 15 crew, including 11 Chinese and 4 Vietnamese nationalities, was en route from Lumut Malaysia to China, reportedly Hong Kong. Ship reported cargo shift, developing list, and asked for shelter off Phu Quy. Shelter was granted, but when the ships was some 1.5 nm off the island, the ship according to Master, was in danger of capsizing, so he asked for immediate help. SAR and CG ships and boats, ships in the vicinity, are deployed in search and rescue. 15 crew as of morning Dec 18, are reported missing, the ship probably sank, but it’s not yet confirmed.
According to ship’s track, though, the ship encountered trouble 2 days earlier, on Dec 15, being well to the north of the island. She turned back and headed for island.
General cargo ship XIN HONG, IMO 9205524, dwt 8537, built 1999, flag Panama, manager HONG DE SHIPPING CO LTD-HKG.
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