Image Credits: Quang Ngai border guard A Greek-flagged bulk carrier carrying more than 174,000 tonnes of iron ore from Malaysia to Vietnam has been damaged off Quang Ngai Province after water entered three ballast tanks. The ship Merchant Mariner was about 15 nautical miles from the Dung Quat anchorage when water was found in ballast tanks No. 4, 5 and 6 on the port side. The water caused the vessel to develop a slight list. Vietnamese authorities are working with the shipowner, captain and other agencies to keep the vessel and its crew safe. They are also preparing plans to deal with the cargo and prevent any possible oil pollution. The vessel entered waters off Quang Ngai on September 18 while sailing towards Dung Quat Port. Authorities said it may have struck a submerged rock. The Merchant Mariner is 291.9 metres long and has a deadweight capacity of 179,570 tonnes. It was carrying nearly 175,000 tonnes of iron ore for Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel Joint Stock Company, the consignee of the cargo. According to the Quang Ngai Maritime Administration, seawater entered ballast tanks No. 4, 5 and 6 on the port side. These tanks are used to control the vessel’s balance and stability. An inspection found that the vessel may have hit a submerged rock. One report from the Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority and Dung Quat Port Border Guard Station said the incident happened at about 4 p.m. on September 18. Another report said the vessel detected water entering the tanks at 11:30 a.m. that day. At the time, the vessel was about 15 nautical miles from the Dung Quat anchorage. Authorities said the vessel had been settling deeper into the water after the incident. At 6:45 p.m. on September 18, the water depth around the hull was reported at 18.87 metres at the bow, 19.28 metres amidships and 19.69 metres at the stern. The Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority instructed the shipowner and captain to assess possible damage to the hull and urgently prepare an emergency rescue plan. They w