On March 12, 2025, the Border Guard Station of Con Co, part of the Quang Tri Border Guard, reported the somber discovery of a fisherman’s body after he had been missing at sea for ten days. The body was found at approximately 5:00 PM by a local resident fishing near Con Co Island, drifting about 10 meters from the shore.
The identification process confirmed the deceased as Nguyen Cong H, 47 years old, who resided in Cua Viet town, situated within the Gio Linh district. Nguyen had been missing since the afternoon of March 2, 2025. On the day he vanished, authorities received an urgent alert from the fishing boat QT-95456.TS, which informed them of H's disappearance occurring roughly 7 nautical miles from Con Co Island.
According to the captain of the vessel, Nguyen Cong Tuan, the unfortunate incident transpired when Mr. H fell overboard due to a moment of carelessness as he attempted to go to the toilet. This sudden occurrence necessitated immediate action. After the boat reported the incident, local authorities were informed, launching search efforts involving both fishermen's groups and nearby vessels to locate the missing individual.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly over the span of the following days, scouring the waters and coordinating with local fishermen to aid the search, but the situation remained bleak until the discovery of Mr. H's body on March 12. Following the report of the body, the Border Guard Station collaborated with local officials to manage the necessary legal documentation for the transfer of H’s remains back to his family.
Once the body was recovered, it was prepared for handover to Nguyen Cong H’s family, allowing them to make arrangements for his funeral rites. The Cua Viet community mourned the loss, reflecting on the dangers faced by fishermen at sea, often braving unpredictable conditions daily.
This tragic incident has reignited discussions around safety measures for those working on fishing boats and the importance of proper safety protocols to prevent such accidents. Fishermen frequently confront perilous conditions, and such events highlight the necessity for increased awareness and stronger safety guidelines to protect the lives of those who risk it all at sea.
Local authorities encourage fishermen to take precautions, especially when engaging activities such as using the toilet on board, which can lead to dangerous mishaps if not handled cautiously. Safety training for crew members is also being considered to strengthen awareness and response to emergencies.
With the incident now behind them, the community of Cua Viet expresses their condolences to the family of Nguyen Cong H, drawing attention to the supportive bond shared among fishermen and their families. They hold onto the hope for safer ocean practices, aiming to prevent future tragedies on the water.