HCM City is mounting an emergency response following a serious oil spill caused by a maritime collision between two cargo vessels on the Long Tau River, which has affected nearly 31 hectares of Can Gio's protected mangrove forest and poses a significant threat to the local environment.

The Can Gio District People's Committee has submitted an urgent report to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and relevant agencies, seeking guidance on how to respond and manage the oil slick following the collision between two cargo ships on the night of April 25.

The incident involved a Panama-flagged container ship and a Hong Kong-registered cargo vessel near An Thoi Dong Commune. The collision left the two ships entangled - one suffered bow deformation while the other partially sank from the stern.

No casualties or cargo damage were reported; however, a wide-area oil spill was recorded.

According to Can Gio authorities, oil slicks have now appeared in 36 locations, reaching fish farming rafts and aquaculture systems along several rivers. The oil has also coated leaves, tree trunks, roots, and forest soil in the mangrove area.

The total affected area is nearly 31 hectares, with 18 aquaculture households suffering losses of approximately 3.2 tons of seafood.

To manage the situation, Can Gio District has established a forward command post that includes representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City Maritime Administration, City Command, and City Police. Over 270 personnel and 37 vehicles and vessels have been mobilized to contain and clean up the spill.

To support ongoing response operations, the district has requested the city to temporarily advance funds to cover costs such as labor, equipment, and logistics until the incident is resolved.

All expenses related to the cleanup, environmental restoration, and compensation will ultimately be borne by the owners of the KMTC Surabaya and Genglyle vessels, and reimbursed to the city budget.

Tuan Kiet