Abandoned, Drifting, Then Reboarded: What Happened to MSC Hermes III

MSC has provided an account of a series of emergencies aboard its container ship MSC Hermes III, which saw 25 seafarers abandon the vessel before later returning to it. The crew abandoned ship about 300 kilometres east of Vietnam on 22 September after the vessel experienced water ingress in the engine room. All 25 crew were recovered by another MSC vessel and are safe, later returning to the ship following an assessment of its condition before it reached port with tug assistance.

 

Details of the Incident

 

MSC has detailed a series of emergencies. These occurred aboard the MSC Hermes III. The vessel is a container ship. The company provided an account. This covered the unfolding events.

The incident began at sea. It was about 300 kilometres east of Vietnam. The vessel issued a distress alert. This was on 22 September. The crew then abandoned ship.

 

The Rescue

 

The rescue involved coordinated effort. Singapore's rescue centre responded. It broadcast a request for assistance. Three vessels responded to this. One recovered all the crew.

The rescue was successful. Another MSC vessel recovered 25 crew. They had abandoned ship in a lifeboat. All were safe at this point. No injuries were initially reported.

 

The Cause

 

The cause later emerged. MSC issued a statement days later. It confirmed water ingress. This was in the engine room. This prompted the abandonment.

The master acted as a precaution. He ordered the crew to abandon ship. They embarked on another vessel. They later returned to the ship. This followed an assessment of its condition.

 

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The Return to Port

 

The vessel reached safety eventually. It had drifted toward the Philippines. It was reported not under command. A tug then assisted it. It made port at Vung Tau in Vietnam.

The return concluded the main incident. The damaged vessel reached port. This was near Ho Chi Minh City. MSC thanked the rescue authorities. These were in Singapore and Vietnam.

 

The Crew Injury

 

The incident involved a crew injury. One crew member was injured. This was an injury to the head. It occurred during the process. The crew member was taken into care.

A later emergency followed. Vietnam's rescue centre responded on 28 September. A crew member had a severe head injury. His condition was assessed as serious. He was evacuated for urgent medical care.

 

The Outcome

 

The medical evacuation was successful. A rescue vessel reached the ship. It provided initial medical care. It then brought the crew member ashore. He was transferred to hospital.

The outcome was reassuring. All 25 crew are safe. The injured seafarer is recovering. MSC reported he is recovering well. This concluded the series of emergencies.

This is a serious incident involving harm to a seafarer. Anyone affected by such events may benefit from reaching out to appropriate support services.