On the afternoon of October 7, 2025, a serious maritime accident unfolded near the Thuan An sea gate in Hue city, leaving one fisherman missing and the local community on edge. According to reports from SGGP and VietnamPlus, the cargo ship Thuan Trung 08, traveling on a south-north route, collided with the fishing boat TTH 96239 TS, captained by Mr. Phan Vu of Hai Tien ward, Thuan An. The collision happened approximately eight nautical miles from the Thuan An shoreline, a busy stretch of water where both commercial and fishing vessels regularly cross paths.
The impact was immediate and devastating. The fishing boat, carrying four crew members, was struck with such force that it quickly sank, sending all four fishermen plunging into the sea. In the frantic moments that followed, three of the fishermen were rescued and brought aboard the Thuan Trung 08. However, one fisherman, whose identity has not yet been released by authorities, remained unaccounted for as darkness fell over the search area.
"After receiving information about the incident at about 15:15 on October 7, the Border Guard Command of Hue city mobilized a search and rescue ship (Coast Guard Team 2) to search and rescue the missing person," VietnamPlus reported, citing Major Nguyen Minh Phu, head of the Thuan An Port Border Guard Station. The urgency of the situation prompted a rapid and coordinated response from multiple agencies, with the Thua Thien Hue Maritime Port directing the Thuan Trung 08 to remain at the scene to aid in the ongoing search.
As news of the accident reached the shore, the Hue Coastal Information Station sprang into action, issuing an emergency broadcast. The message called on all vessels operating near the site of the sunken fishing boat to intensify their vigilance and join the effort to locate the missing fisherman. The broadcast underscored the seriousness of the incident and the importance of community cooperation in maritime emergencies.
The military was also swift to respond. Patrol ships were dispatched to the scene, their crews joining the search alongside local authorities and the families of the missing and rescued fishermen. The Border Guard Command of Hue city worked closely with local officials, quickly notifying the families affected and mobilizing additional resources. Five fishing boats owned by local residents were recruited to participate in the search, along with vessels from Cargo Port 2.
"The Border Guard also deployed ship ST112 with nine officers and soldiers to the accident site to receive rescued fishermen and provide first aid and medical care," SGGP noted. The three rescued fishermen were transferred to the Border Guard’s ST112 vessel, where military medical staff conducted initial examinations and provided much-needed care. By late evening, authorities confirmed that the health of all three rescued crew members was stable, a small comfort in the midst of an otherwise grim situation.
Images from the scene painted a picture of both relief and anxiety. Families gathered anxiously near the Thuan An sea gate, waiting for news of their loved ones. Photographs showed the rescued fishermen being escorted ashore by military personnel, their faces etched with exhaustion but grateful to be alive. Meanwhile, medical teams from Hue city tended to their injuries and monitored their recovery, ensuring that no further complications arose from their ordeal at sea.
The search for the missing fisherman continued into the night, with the Border Guard’s ST112 vessel and its nine-person crew working in concert with other agencies and local fishermen. The Hue Coastal Information Station kept the emergency broadcast active, urging any nearby vessels to remain alert for signs of the missing man. The combined efforts of the military, maritime authorities, and the local fishing community highlighted the solidarity and resilience that often emerges in the face of tragedy along Vietnam’s central coast.
While the three survivors received medical attention and were reported to be in stable condition, the fate of the fourth fisherman remained uncertain as of the evening of October 7. Authorities stressed that the search would continue without pause, with hopes that the missing crew member might yet be found. The incident served as a stark reminder of the dangers that fishermen and mariners face daily, especially in the busy and sometimes treacherous waters near Thuan An.
Local officials, including the leadership of the Border Guard Command and the Thua Thien Hue Maritime Port, pledged to maintain a full-scale search operation until the missing fisherman was located. Coordination with the families of those involved was ongoing, with support being offered to help them through the difficult wait. The sense of community was palpable, with neighbors, friends, and fellow fishermen rallying together in a collective show of support.
As the search extended into the night, the story captured the attention of the broader public, prompting discussions about maritime safety and the need for continued vigilance in Vietnam’s coastal waters. The incident also highlighted the importance of rapid, well-coordinated responses by authorities—a factor that likely contributed to the successful rescue of three out of four crew members. Still, the search for the missing fisherman weighed heavily on everyone involved, serving as a sobering testament to the risks that come with life at sea.
By the end of October 7, the combined forces of the Border Guard, military patrols, local fishing boats, and maritime authorities remained steadfast in their efforts. The emergency broadcasts continued to urge caution and cooperation, while medical teams stood ready to assist any additional survivors. For the families waiting ashore, hope persisted, buoyed by the knowledge that the entire community was united in the search.
As events continued to unfold, the story of the Thuan Trung 08 and the TTH 96239 TS served as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the enduring strength of Vietnam’s coastal communities. In moments of crisis, their determination and solidarity shine brightest, reminding all who watch that in the face of adversity, no one is ever truly alone.
