Mystery grows around MSC Hermes III after emergency evacuation of a crew member

New questions have appeared around the MSC Hermes III after Vietnamese authorities reported the emergency evacuation of a 30-year-old crewmember on September 29. The seafarer was badly injured in a fall and was later taken to a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. The incident came only days after 25 crewmembers reportedly abandoned the same ship off Vietnam. Maritime Executive reported.

 

Vietnam’s Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center said it received a call for help from the ship on September 28. At that time, the vessel was about 30 nautical miles northeast of Vung Tau. The captain said the crewmember had suffered a work-related accident, serious head injuries, vomiting and loss of consciousness.

 

A rescue vessel, SAR 272, arrived at the ship early on September 29 with two medical officers. The injured man received first aid and was then taken ashore. Local media reported that he may have been exposed to toxic gas, but authorities have not confirmed this.

 

The latest incident adds to the mystery around the vessel. On September 22, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority said it had helped evacuate 25 crewmembers from the ship. They had entered the lifeboats while the vessel was about 300 km east of Vietnam and were later taken aboard another MSC vessel. It is still not clear why the crew abandoned the ship.

 

The MSC Hermes III was later seen drifting before tugs took it under tow toward Vietnam. Photos from the latest rescue show people still aboard the vessel, with no visible signs of damage, such as damage caused by fire. AIS data shows that the ship arrived at Phu My Port on September 29.

 

Picture: Pole Star Global