A Korean bulker rescued the crew of a Chinese cargo ship after it began sinking in the Indian Ocean. The Run Fu 3 (32,115 dwt), a Panama-flagged vessel built in 1997, sent a distress call early on June 11 while taking on water about 500 nautical miles south of the Maldives.
The Korean-managed bulker Maple Harbour (55,832 dwt), en route to Italy, responded to the call. After changing course, it reached the stricken ship by 5:30 AM. Despite efforts to save the vessel, the Run Fu 3’s captain ordered the crew to abandon ship by 8:15 AM.
All 23 crew members, which included 21 from Vietnam and two from Myanmar, were safely rescued and taken aboard the Maple Harbour, which is now heading to Mauritius. South Korea’s Oceans and Fisheries Ministry praised the crew’s swift action, emphasizing international cooperation at sea.
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