Search operations across Vietnam have been underway recently as authorities and local communities engage in efforts to recover missing persons, particularly fishermen and individuals who have fallen near water bodies. This urgent week of activity covers several cases, each highlighting the dangers faced by individuals working at sea and near deep waters.
On February 22, 2025, it was reported by the Bình Định province disaster response office, multiple fishing boats were deployed to locate two sailors who went overboard during their fishing expeditions. Among them was Le Thanh Tien, who was lost at sea around 3 AM, approximately 172 nautical miles southwest of Con Dao. The fishing vessel he was aboard, BĐ 94563 TS, had 24 crew members at the time and had set out from Vũng Tàu on February 16. Another vessel, BĐ 97731 TS, owned by Lê Văn Thái, also experienced tragedy as crew member Võ Văn Tín fell overboard and was reported missing around 11:55 PM on February 20, with search efforts continuing without success.
Authorities confirmed, "Đã tổ chức tìm kiếm nhưng vẫn chưa tìm thấy thuyền viên mất tích," which indicates the persistent efforts to aid the families of the missing men as the fishing community continues the search.
Simultaneously, another case unfolded at Krong Pach Thung Dam, located within Đắk Lắk province. A 52-year-old man, identified as N.V.T., went missing and was suspected of drowning. Following notification of the incident on the morning of February 22, local police and firefighting units immediately mobilized. The search and rescue teams faced significant challenges due to the terrain's steepness and slippery conditions exacerbated by heavy rain.
After over five hours of relentless searching, authorities located and recovered N.V.T.'s body around 5 PM on February 22. The situation was described as dire, as rescuers navigated depths of 7-8 meters with strong currents, reflecting the dangerous conditions often present in these operations.
The Dân trí report stated, "Sau hơn 5 giờ nỗ lực không ngừng nghỉ, vào khoảng 17h ngày 22/2, lực lượng chức năng đã phát hiện và trục vớt thi thể người đàn ông gặp nạn," illustrating the culmination of efforts after relentless searching. Upon recovery, the man’s remains were returned to his family for proper burial ceremonies, underscoring the human toll such accidents can take.
Further complicate matters, search operations for the fishermen continued to be hampered. Fishing boats like BĐ 94017 TS and BĐ 97107 TS were actively assisting the core fishing vessel, but challenges persisted, and the ocean's vastness seemed unyielding.
More distressing was the case surrounding N.V.M., another young man reported missing from Bình Dương province. His disappearance extended over four days, with distress alarms sounded from concerned relatives after he failed to communicate. From February 20, the local community along with official authorities sought the whereabouts of N.V.M., eventually leading to the discovery of his body floating on the water.
Witnesses reported finding his motorcycle near the water's edge, which drew attention to the area. The investigation is still open, as police work diligently to determine the circumstances of his disappearance and subsequent recovery.
Families awaiting answers feel the weight of their loved ones’ safety, exposing the ever-present risks endured by those residing near aquatic environments and working on fishing vessels. From lost sailors to tragic drownings, these missing persons’ incidents capture both the urgency of local search operations and the collective community spirit aimed toward protection and recovery. Authorities are appealing for greater awareness around water safety, particularly as these cases draw attention to the potential perils surrounding waterways and coastal fishing activities.
The recent incidents highlight the need for preventative measures and the importance of community cooperation during search operations. With hope still flickering for the fishermen, families cling tightly to memories of their loved ones, and the community remains vigilant as the search efforts persist.