On the afternoon of September 18, 2025, the usually tranquil waters off Đá Bạc commune in Vietnam’s southern Cà Mau province became the scene of a dramatic rescue, underscoring both the dangers fishermen face and the growing strength of Vietnam’s maritime emergency response. At approximately 1:20 p.m., a fishing vessel, CM 06484-TS, captained by 31-year-old Phù Ký Sung, was making its way toward shore when disaster struck. A sudden waterspout—a violent, swirling column of air and water—formed out at sea, catching the vessel off guard and ultimately sinking it about five nautical miles southeast of the Đá Bạc sea gate, according to reports from Thanh Niên.
The incident could have ended in tragedy, but thanks to the swift coordination between the Sông Đốc Border Guard Station and local fishermen, all four crew members survived. As soon as news of the sinking reached the authorities, the Border Guard Station wasted no time. Using their communications network, they called for help from nearby vessels and mobilized their own rescue teams. Within just 20 minutes, at 1:40 p.m., the fishing vessel CM 05587-TS, captained by Đoàn Văn Yên (46, also from Đá Bạc), had already pulled one fisherman from the water, bringing him safely aboard.
The rescue didn’t end there. About 20 minutes after the initial recovery, the Border Guard’s search team located and rescued the remaining three fishermen, transporting them to the Đá Bạc border control station for medical evaluation and care. Medical staff at the station provided immediate attention, and by evening, all four men were reported to be in stable physical and mental condition. The relief was palpable among their families and the tight-knit fishing community.
Major Đỗ Văn Lanh, head of the Sông Đốc Border Guard Station, highlighted the importance of teamwork in such operations. “The timely coordination between border forces and local fishermen was the decisive factor in the timely rescue of the four fishermen,” he stated, as quoted by Thanh Niên. He also pointed out that the incident was a testament to the effectiveness of the current emergency communication and response mechanisms at sea, which are vital for the safety of those whose livelihoods depend on Vietnam’s coastal waters.
While the rescue off Đá Bạc was unfolding, another major maritime operation was taking place further up the coast. From September 8 to September 17, the Command of Coastal Police Region 3 carried out its most ambitious annual tactical exercise yet, as reported by VietnamPlus. This exercise, which included live ammunition firing at sea, was directly overseen by Colonel Nguyễn Minh Khánh, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Coastal Police Region 3.
Preparation for the exercise was meticulous. The Party Committee and leadership of the Coastal Police Region 3 directed every stage, from planning to execution, with scientific rigor and attention to detail. The exercise’s documents and scenarios were carefully crafted to reflect real-world maritime threats and challenges. “This exercise is an opportunity for officers and soldiers to practice their ability to respond flexibly to complex situations at sea,” Colonel Khánh emphasized. He added that the event aimed to enhance overall training quality, leadership, technical expertise, and coordination among the various units—a critical need given the evolving security environment in the region.
This year’s drill was remarkable for the sheer scale of participation: the largest number of vessels ever mobilized for such an event. The activities covered a broad array of maritime operations, including patrolling, inspection, law enforcement, sovereignty defense, anti-piracy operations, search and rescue, and combat readiness drills. Officers and sailors practiced with a variety of weaponry, including AK rifles, B41 rocket launchers, and RPD machine guns, both from ships and on the open sea. The exercise tested their mettle, requiring calm nerves, precision, and teamwork to hit low-flying and sea-based targets.
The exercise wasn’t merely about military prowess—it was also a real-world test of the navy’s ability to respond to emergencies. During the drills, an accident occurred: sailor Nguyễn Vũ Nguyên, born in 1998 and a resident of Sóc Sơn, Hòn Đất, Kiên Giang, was seriously injured when a winch caught his left arm, causing a deep laceration. The ship’s medical team sprang into action, providing immediate first aid and cleaning the wound, demonstrating the importance of rapid medical response at sea. The incident, while unfortunate, served as a live scenario for the kind of emergencies these exercises are designed to address.
Colonel Khánh underscored the broader significance of these drills: “This is an annual training activity aimed at enhancing overall quality, combat readiness, and fulfilling maritime security and sovereignty missions.” The exercise not only sharpened the technical and tactical skills of Vietnam’s maritime forces but also reinforced the country’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its coastal and island territories.
Back in Cà Mau, the successful rescue of the four fishermen was a reminder of how the lessons learned from such exercises translate into real-world action. The border guards’ quick mobilization, the effective use of communication systems, and the willingness of local fishermen to risk their own safety for others all contributed to a happy ending. The event also highlights the dangers that Vietnam’s fishermen face daily—from unpredictable weather to mechanical failures and the ever-present threat of accidents at sea.
Vietnam’s coastline, stretching over 3,200 kilometers, is both a vital economic resource and a zone of constant risk. Fishing is a way of life for millions, but it comes with hazards that require constant vigilance and robust support systems. The combination of regular, large-scale tactical exercises and strong community engagement is proving to be a powerful formula for safeguarding lives and livelihoods along the nation’s shores.
As Vietnam continues to modernize its maritime forces and strengthen its emergency response infrastructure, the events of September 2025 serve as a vivid illustration of progress—and of the enduring courage of those who make their living on the sea. Whether through planned drills or unexpected rescues, the message is clear: preparedness, cooperation, and quick action save lives.