19 July 2025
On 18 July 2025, at approximately 0930 hours, the cargo vessel MV Shwe Pyae Chantha was sinking at an estimated latitude of 16° 07.65′ N, Longitude 096° 20.41′ E (approximately 7 miles southeast of Yangon Pilot Station). The Myanmar Port Authority later reported the sinking by telephone, confirming the vessel’s approximate location at 16° 07.65′ N, Longitude 096° 20.41′ E. The Coast Guard Command Headquarters, along with the Myanmar Navy’s Fast Attack Craft (Gun) (556), conducted a search and rescue operation and rescued the 15 crew members who had abandoned the vessel at 1500 hours (03:00 p.m.).
According to the investigation, the MV Shwe Pyae Chantha was carrying 917 tons of various goods and 15 crew members from Kawthaung to the Thaketa Five Star Port in Yangon at 0830 hours on 14 July 2025. Due to bad weather, the vessel’s bow and cable lockers were flooded, but the crew members on board were not injured. The vessel was abandoned at around 1400 hours due to the inability to control the flooding.
Upon receiving news of the MV Shwe Pyae Chantha’s flooding, the Coast Guard monitored the situation using Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) systems at the Command Headquarters. They immediately requested assistance from vessels in the vicinity and communicated with the Pilot Station and the Myanmar Port Authority. The Maritime Administration Department and the Coastal Vessel Owners Association were also contacted promptly. Through this coordinated effort, the Myanmar Coast Guard’s Fast Patrol Craft (P 313) and the Myanmar Navy’s Fast Attack Craft (Gun) (556) safely rescued 15 crew members. The Myanamr Navy is currently coordinating with the rescuers to transfer the rescued crew members back to their respective companies.
Vessels (large and small ships, cargo boats, coastal vessels, fishing vessels, and pleasure craft) passing through the sinking area (16° 07.65′ N, 096° 20.41′ E – approximately 7 miles southeast of the Yangon Pilot Station) are advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid the area.
