On 5 December, the crew of the general cargo vessel Kayo reported a loss of stability and a dangerous list, prompting an international search-and-rescue response. At the time, the ship was carrying clay from Lumut (Malaysia) to Hongai (Vietnam).
The incident occurred around midnight, when Kayo was approximately 65 nautical miles east of the Malaysian coast. The vessel reportedly developed a 15-degree list to starboard and lost stability due to adverse weather conditions. The master issued a distress alert to the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (Vietnam MRCC).
Vietnam MRCC immediately notified the Malaysian MRCC and requested urgent assistance. Malaysia responded by dispatching the coast guard vessel KM Sebatik, which escorted Kayo to a safe anchorage off the Malaysian port of Kemaman.
Authorities confirmed that all 15 crew members are safe and do not require medical treatment, including 13 Vietnamese nationals, one Bangladeshi, and one Indian. The vessel remains at anchor awaiting further support.
Kayo is a general cargo ship built in 2011 and flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The vessel is 92 meters long and 15 meters wide.
