Casualty News

STRATFORD

Date
July 28, 2025

Type
Fire

Voyage
China / Vietnam

Reports have been received that MV Stratford (91,649 GT, Built 2006), chartered and operated by OOCL, sent a distress signal on 28 July 2025 from a position in the South China Sea approximately 190 nautical miles northwest of Yongshu Reef in the Nansha Islands, after a fire broke out in four containers. The vessel had departed Shenzhen, China, bound for Vietnam.

It is understood that the Chinese Ministry of Transport coordinated the response through the Nanhai Rescue Bureau, dispatching the patrol vessel Nanhai Jiu 116 and a rescue helicopter. The fire was brought under control by 30 July, with no casualties reported among the 25 foreign crew members. Continued aerial surveillance confirmed that no re-ignition occurred, and the vessel was later escorted to safe anchorage in Vietnam.

Owner’s representatives have confirmed that some containers suffered damage due to fire and firefighting measures, though the number of impacted units is reported to be limited. Discharge of distressed containers is being arranged. The shipowners declared General Average on 7 August 2025 and have appointed an average adjuster; GA instructions will be issued to cargo interests in due course.

The vessel’s last port of call before the incident was Shenzhen, China, destined for Vietnam.

As well as cargo damage, claims for salvage and general average will arise from this incident.

If you are the cargo insurers for goods on board this vessel and require assistance the any claims arising, then please do not hesitate to contact us. We can assist with:

Arranging cargo damage surveys

Investigating the cause of the incident

Recovery of losses on NO CURE NO PAY terms

Provision of Salvage Guarantees (for a premium starting from 0.4% of guarantee amount)

Handling of Salvage claims (without the need for lawyers)

Providing Average Guarantees

Handling of GA claims

Defence of GA claims in NO CURE NO PAY terms