Collision on the Mekong: Oil Spill Follows Vessel Crash Near Ho Chi Minh City

🚢 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – April 25, 2025 – A serious maritime collision occurred this morning on the Long Tau River, a crucial shipping lane near Ho Chi Minh City. The incident involved the container vessel KMTC Surabaya and the bulk carrier Glengyle, taking place near mile marker 15, close to the Rach Don junction.

 

The Glengyle sustained severe hull damage as a result of the collision, leading to a partial sinking and a subsequent significant oil spill into the river. Vietnamese authorities have deployed emergency response teams to contain the environmental impact of the spill and secure the area for a thorough assessment.

 

While there were no reported injuries or fatalities, the incident has raised serious concerns about navigational safety and the level of environmental preparedness in the region's vital inland waterways.

 

Authorities are currently conducting a full investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Potential contributing factors under scrutiny include traffic density in the busy waterway, human error, and possible visibility issues at the time of the incident. The investigation is expected to recommend measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.