Urgent Rescue Operation for the Burning Oil Tanker GT Unity

At 11.52 A.M on August 8, 2025, the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (VMRCC) received distress information from the MV Androusa (Liberian flag) and the Cospas-Sarsat Ground Station reporting that the oil tanker GT Unity (Vietnamese flag, 7,631 DWT) had caught fire in its electrical compartment in position 07°09'N – 107°29'E, approximately 104 nautical miles south-southeast of Con Dao Island and 191 nautical miles south-southeast of Vung Tau Cape.

Immediately upon receiving the report, the VMRCC established direct communication with MV Androusa, requesting the vessel to return to the scene to assist the distressed ship. MV Androusa complied and made contact with MV GT Unity’s crew via VHF radio. According to gathered information, MV GT Unity carrying 3,872 tons of crude FO, was en route from Malaysia to Dung Quat, Vietnam. Out of 20 crew members, 16 had abandoned ship. The weather in the area was reported as southwesterly winds, Beaufort force 3.

At the VMRCC Command Headquarters, Mr. Le Do Muoi, Administrator of the Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration, directed the search and rescue operations. He ordered the issuance of a maritime safety broadcast, the urgent mobilization of available SAR assets, and coordination with the Navy, Coast Guard, and relevant authorities for joint rescue efforts. The VMRCC also reestablished communication with MV Androusa, instructing it to remain on scene to assist the distressed vessel. At 1315 hours, SAR vessel SAR 413 was deployed from Vung Tau to proceed to the incident location and conduct rescue operations, while simultaneous reports were sent to the Office of the National Civil Defense Steering Committee.

A forward command post has been established at the Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center No. III in Vung Tau city. The VMRCC has requested the shipowner to be prepared to hire salvage and firefighting resources for GT Unity and called upon offshore support vessels operating near the incident area to join the rescue effort. SAR 413 was ordered to proceed urgently to the scene to evacuate the distressed crew, including one severely injured crew member. MV Androusa successfully reached the burning tanker and rescued all 20 crew members of GT Unity.

Administrator Le Do Muoi has decided to award a Certificate of Commendation to promptly recognize and honor the brave and responsible actions of the Master and crew of MV Androusa for their timely rescue efforts.

The Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center will continue to update this case.

MV GT Unity’s initial distress position was 07°09'N – 107°29'E, approximately 104 nautical miles south-southeast of Con Dao Island and 191 nautical miles south-southeast of Vung Tau Cape

At the VMRCC Command Headquarters, Mr. Le Do Muoi, Director General of the Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration, directed the search and rescue operations

MV GT Unity was burning on the scene

The forward command post in Vung Tau

The search and rescue operation