In recent months, the waters and rivers of Vietnam have seen a surge in both peril and heroism, as maritime and inland rescue teams have raced against time to save lives in the face of danger. From the vast expanse of the East Sea to the winding rivers of Gia Lai province, stories of tragedy, resilience, and silent dedication have unfolded—highlighting both the challenges and the quiet victories of those who risk everything to keep others safe.
The Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (VM-SARCC) has played a pivotal role in this ongoing saga. According to reports from Báo Giao Thông, in the first eleven months of 2025 alone, the center directly commanded and coordinated responses to 224 real emergencies at sea, deploying 15 specialized SAR ships for critical missions. These efforts led to the rescue and timely support of more than 970 people—over 900 of them Vietnamese, and nearly 70 foreigners. In addition, 66 vessels were saved or received crucial assistance, a testament to the scale and reach of Vietnam’s maritime rescue operations.
November 2025 was particularly busy. The center received 33 distress reports, confirmed 31 as genuine emergencies, and participated directly in 30 rescue operations. Of the 210 people rescued or supported that month, 208 were Vietnamese and two were foreigners. Fishing boats continued to dominate the statistics, with 23 of the incidents involving them. Fourteen vessels—thirteen Vietnamese and one foreign—were also saved or aided during this period.
One dramatic incident on November 19, 2025, underscored the transnational nature of Vietnam’s maritime rescue efforts. At 00:16, the center dispatched the SAR 273 vessel to aid an Indonesian crew member suffering a severe hand injury aboard the Panama-flagged container ship Ever Obey. The ship, stretching nearly 195 meters in length and 32.2 meters in width, was en route from Shekou, China, to Surabaya, Indonesia, when the accident struck. The injured crew member, bleeding heavily and showing signs of tissue necrosis, was swiftly brought ashore and transferred to Vinmec Hospital in Nha Trang for urgent treatment. This rescue not only saved a life but also highlighted Vietnam’s readiness to assist international mariners in distress within its territorial waters.
Yet, behind these successful missions lies a sobering reality. Most maritime accidents in Vietnam involve fishing vessels—often aging wooden boats with outdated technology and minimal maintenance. Safety equipment, such as life jackets, lifebuoys, emergency signaling devices, and fire-fighting gear, is frequently lacking. According to experts cited by Báo Giao Thông, many boats operate with old machinery, rarely undergo regular inspections, and are ill-prepared for emergencies. Compounding the problem, some seafarers lack essential safety knowledge and skills to respond effectively when disaster strikes.
The human factor is only part of the equation. Recent years have seen a marked increase in extreme weather events across the East Sea region. Typhoons, sudden squalls, and unpredictable currents have grown in both frequency and intensity, inflicting heavy material and human losses on coastal communities. These environmental shifts make rescue operations more hazardous and underscore the need for better preparedness among those who venture onto the water.
The dangers are not limited to the open sea. On December 6, 2025, authorities in Gia Lai province confirmed the tragic recovery of 14-year-old Tr.V.M, whose body was found after a capsizing incident on the Ha Thanh River. The day before, at around 2:00 p.m., Tr.V.M and his friend V.T.K—both just 14—were playing volleyball near the riverbank when their ball fell into the water and was swept away by the current. Undeterred, the boys took a small boat into the river to retrieve it. But as they reached the middle, strong currents overturned their vessel. Local resident Tran Thanh Tuan managed to rescue V.T.K, but Tr.V.M was pulled under and disappeared.
Authorities, as reported by Dân Việt and VTC News, quickly mobilized aerial equipment and divers to scour the river. Their efforts stretched into the night, but only the next morning was the boy’s body recovered and returned to his grieving family. The incident prompted officials to urge residents, especially children, to exercise greater caution when playing near rivers and streams.
Sadly, this was not an isolated tragedy. Just weeks earlier, on November 22, 2025, two children drowned in Gia Lai after a similar accident, and on November 20, two more lost their lives after falling into a deep water pit. These incidents, all confirmed by local authorities and reported in Tiền Phong, have cast a pall over communities already grappling with the challenges of water safety.
Yet amid the sorrow, there are stories of hope and solidarity. On the evening of December 5, 2025, off the coast of Quang Tri province, fisherman Nguyen Van Nhan found himself in mortal danger when his boat, battered by strong waves and wind, capsized. He and fellow fisherman Nguyen Duc Thuan had set out to fish with nets, only to be caught off guard by the sudden storm. Nhan was lucky: a passing cargo ship, Khánh Minh 9, spotted him drifting and pulled him aboard to safety. Thuan, however, remained missing, clinging to the wreckage of their boat.
According to Đồn Biên phòng cửa khẩu cảng Gianh, upon learning of the incident, the Border Guard Command in Gianh port sprang into action. They coordinated with local fishermen and deployed the fishing boat QB-98061-TS, captained by Nguyen Van Thong, to join the nighttime search. By 9:00 p.m., their combined efforts paid off: Nguyen Duc Thuan was found and safely rescued. The operation, conducted in darkness and dangerous conditions, showcased the determination and coordination of Vietnam’s maritime and local rescue teams.
These recent events have sparked renewed discussions about water safety across Vietnam. Authorities emphasize the importance of equipping boats with proper safety gear, maintaining regular inspections, and ensuring that all seafarers—professional or amateur—receive adequate training in emergency response. There is also a growing recognition that communities must do more to protect children and educate families about the risks of playing near water, especially during the unpredictable weather that increasingly characterizes the region.
As the year draws to a close, the tireless work of Vietnam’s search and rescue forces stands as a testament to both the dangers and the resilience found along its rivers and coasts. Their silent journeys, often unfolding far from the public eye, have saved hundreds of lives and offered hope in moments of despair. But the stories of loss remind everyone—rescuers and citizens alike—that vigilance, preparation, and community support remain essential in the face of nature’s unpredictable power.
