The Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration (VIMAWA) has called on shipowners with vessels operating on international routes to closely review updated information on maritime safety and security conditions before planning voyages to the Middle East to ensure the safety of crew members.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed Vietnamese representative agencies in China and the Philippines to proactively coordinate with local authorities to secure safe harbour for Vietnamese vessels, support rescue operations and ship repairs if necessary, said its spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang.