At around 8:45 a.m. Singapore time on Tuesday (September 22), the Liberia-flagged container ship “MSC Hermes III” (2,490 TEU, built in 2006) sent out a distress signal while transiting the South China Sea. It is currently drifting at approximately 12°0.214′ N 112°53.403′ E, about 300 kilometers east of Vietnam. All 25 crew members have abandoned ship.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said three vessels responded to the distress signal, and another MSC vessel, the “MSC Ruby,” rescued from lifeboats all 25 crew members who had abandoned the distressed ship. All crew members are reported to be safe and well, and the vessel has not yet sunk.

AIS data shows that the “MSC Hermes III” is drifting northeast, while the “MSC Ruby” remains nearby. The “MSC Florentina” and “MSC Turin III” are also reported to be in the vicinity.

The cause of the emergency is currently unknown. Neither the Singapore authorities nor MSC have publicly detailed the incident, and there has been no confirmation of towing or salvage arrangements.