Seafarers have managed to extinguish a fire on a car carrier off Vietnam.
The crew of 21 Russians tackled the blaze on the 6,000-ceu Ah Shin (built 1999) off Vung Tao on Sunday, Vietnamese media reported.
VnExpress reported the incident left the Panama-flag ship adrift about 45km from the coast.
The Ah Shin was carrying 4,530 cars from South Korea to Singapore.
Reports said the fire began to spread from decks eight, nine and 10 of the 200-metre ship.
The vessel has 1,356 tonnes of fuel on board.
The Ah Shin is managed by Doriko of South Korea, which has been contacted for further information.
The shipowner, listed as Ah Shin Shipping, requested help from Vietnamese authorities.
The fire had been brought under control by Sunday night but the ship was still emitting a strong burning smell.
No injuries have been reported and the extent of damage to the ship or cargo is not yet known.
Heavy seas
Rough seas had prevented rescuers from approaching the Ah Shin on Sunday.
The ship has insurance cover through the Japan Shipowners club.
There are no port state control detentions listed on its record.
The cause of the incident is not yet clear, but the location suggests a fire may have originated in a vehicle.
Last month, Norway’s Havila Kystruten said it will no longer carry electric or hybrid cars on its ferries because of fire fears.
Chief executive Bent Martini said a risk analysis by Proactima had concluded that only blazes starting in conventional vehicles can be dealt with by crews.
