A large cargo ship lost its anchor and crashed into a bridge in the southern Vietnamese province of Dong Nai on Sunday afternoon.

The Royal 09 vessel was stranded under the Dong Nai Bridge for more than an hour after having its stern stuck into the structure following the anchor loss, according to eyewitnesses.

The bridge, crossing the namesake river, connects Bien Hoa, the provincial capital of Dong Nai, with Di An Town in Binh Duong Province.

The vessel had its stern stuck into the bridge following the accident. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The Royal 09 was docking at the Dong Nai Port at around 4:20 pm when it lost its anchor, according to a representative of the local port authority.

The vessel drifted about 100 meters along the river due to strong currents, before hitting the bridge with its rear and getting stuck there.

Officers from the Dong Nai waterway police unit were quick to appear at the scene to coordinate with competent authorities in Binh Duong to rescue the ship.

Competent authorities arrive at the scene to rescue the ship. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Three boats mobilized for the rescue efforts were able to free the vessel at around 5:30 pm the same day.

About ten crew members were on the cargo ship at the time, but no one was harmed, while the vessel and the bridge only suffered minor damage.

A small crowd of locals gathered along the Dong Nai Bridge to watch the rescue efforts of the rare incident out of curiosity.

Smaller boats are mobilized to rescue the ship. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Local residents gather along the Dong Nai Bridge. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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