Crew Rescued After Bulk Carrier Capsizes Near Maldives

On June 11th, the Panama-registered bulk carrier Run Fu 3 overturned roughly 500 nautical miles south of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. All 23 seafarers on board were forced to abandon the vessel. Thankfully, there were no fatalities or injuries reported.

Flooding Triggers Abandon Ship Order

The emergency unfolded after significant flooding was detected in one of the cargo holds. Despite efforts to control the water ingress, the crew was unable to stop the flooding. With no other option, they evacuated into life rafts.

A distress call was sent out around 7:00 a.m. local time. The Maple Harbor, a South Korean bulk carrier en route to Italy, responded and diverted its route to assist the drifting seafarers.

Rescue Operation Completed Without Injury

At approximately 1:20 p.m., the Maple Harbor successfully picked up all 23 crew members of Run Fu 3, which included 21 Vietnamese nationals and two citizens of Myanmar.

After the rescue, the crew received meals, fresh water, and a safe place to rest aboard the Korean vessel. Plans are currently being coordinated to transport the rescued sailors to Louis port in Mauritius, working in conjunction with the owners of the sunken ship.

Background on the Vessel

Run Fu 3, built in 1997, is a bulk carrier that measures 171.6 meters long and 27 meters wide. According to data, the vessel departed Tianjin Port, China on May 20th and was expected to arrive in Lome, Togo by July 7th.