A collision at sea on the morning of March 2 has left one fisherman missing and raised alarm among local fishing communities. The incident involved the fishing vessel QB 33180-TS, captained by Nguyen Hoang Van, which sunk approximately 26.5 nautical miles east of the Gianh River mouth, near coordinates 17 degrees 52'N-106 degrees 55'E.
At around 5:00 AM, the vessel, carrying six crew members, began taking on water and shortly thereafter capsized. The timely response of nearby boats led to the rescue of five crew members who managed to cling to life vests as they awaited help.
Among those rescued was Nguyen Huu Van, who swam to another nearby fishing vessel, QB 98599-TS, captained by Nguyen Hai Hoang. This vessel reached the scene shortly before 7:45 AM but found only five crew members waiting for assistance. The search for the remaining crew member, Nguyen Duy Dung, who is still missing, is currently underway.
Authorities from the Border Guard Command of Quang Binh Province have been activated to assist with search operations. Local fishing organizations have been alerted to provide aid and support to the rescue efforts, with calls for all vessels operating nearby to assist.
Nguyen Thanh Van, the owner of the sunken vessel QB 33180-TS, expressed deep concern for the missing crew member and urged those at sea to take safety precautions more seriously. The tragedy has sparked discussions among local fishermen about sea safety, especially concerning the adequacy of safety equipment on fishing vessels.
This incident adds to the growing concerns about maritime safety regulations among local fishermen, who have begun to advocate for stricter adherence to safety measures and training protocols to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
The local government has initiated discussions on improving safety standards by investing in more advanced technology for real-time monitoring of fishing vessels, which will provide measures against overwhelming sea conditions and prevent potential disasters.
The community remains hopeful for the safe return of Duy Dung, as rescue operations extend amid fluctuated weather conditions.
Meanwhile, health departments have reminded fishermen of the importance of keeping safety appliances up to date, educating them about life-saving strategies, and establishing clear distress signals and communication protocols during emergencies.
While the state agencies are gearing up for action, many families of the fishing crew await news on the fate of their loved ones, emphasizing the need for enhanced coordination and preparation during such emergencies.