On May 7, 2025, the La Gi Border Guard Station received a distress report from Mrs. Ngo Thi Hong Loi, a resident of Phuoc Loc Ward in La Gi. She reported that on May 1, her husband, Mr. Mai Minh Vuong, and their son, Mai Ngo Nhi, had set sail from La Gi port aboard their fishing vessel, BTh 81157 TS, which has a capacity of 46 CV and measures 9.3 meters in length. Unfortunately, since the afternoon of May 2, Mrs. Loi had lost contact with the vessel.
Initially, the family believed that the lack of communication was due to the vessel operating in an area with poor mobile reception. However, as days passed without any word, concern grew. Around 5:00 PM on May 6, Mrs. Loi was informed by other fishing vessels from Ba Ria - Vung Tau province that a body had been discovered drifting approximately 57 nautical miles southwest of La Gi, at coordinates 09o54'39"N - 107o08'41"E. The body resembled that of her son, Mai Ngo Nhi, prompting the family to seek assistance in recovering the remains.
As of now, five fishing vessels continue to assist in the search for the missing father and son, along with the fishing vessel BTh 81157 TS. The weather conditions in the area are challenging, with southwest winds at levels 3 to 4 and wave heights ranging from 0.3 to 1 meter. The Provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control has urged the Provincial Border Guard Command to monitor the situation closely and to inform fishermen operating nearby to assist in the search efforts.
In a separate incident that has also drawn attention, the fishing vessel BD 97417 TS, captained by Mr. Le Van H. from Tam Quan Nam Ward in Hoai Nhon, faced a unique mishap. On May 5, at 3:00 AM, while fishing approximately 360 nautical miles offshore, the vessel was struck by a large swordfish, causing it to take on water. Fortunately, the crew managed to temporarily address the situation and began navigating back toward Tam Quan port.
Meanwhile, on May 6, at 10:30 AM, the Binh Dinh Provincial Border Guard received an urgent call from the fishing vessel QNg 98083 TS. A fisherman named Pham Van Tr. had suffered a severe injury when his right arm was severed by a stone grinder at 7:50 AM that same day. This incident occurred while the vessel was operating about 85 nautical miles northeast of Quy Nhon City.
Responding swiftly, the border guard ship BP48.19.01 from the Border Guard Flotilla 48 was dispatched to assist. By 1:30 PM, the rescue team had reached the injured fisherman, providing initial medical assistance before transporting him back to shore for emergency care.
Additionally, another fishing vessel, DNa 90679 TS from Da Nang, experienced mechanical failure and began drifting on May 2. It was rescued by the fishing vessel QNg 98587 TS from Quang Ngai province, which successfully towed it back to safety at Quy Nhon port.
These incidents highlight the inherent dangers faced by fishermen as they venture into the open seas. The fishing community is often exposed to unpredictable weather and the risks associated with operating heavy machinery.
Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of safety measures and communication protocols for fishermen. As search efforts for the missing individuals persist, the community remains hopeful for their safe return.
In light of these events, local officials are reviewing safety regulations and emergency response protocols to better protect fishermen and ensure swift action in the event of future incidents. The collaboration between fishing vessels and the border guard has proven vital in both rescue operations and ongoing search efforts.
As the situation develops, families and friends of those affected are left anxiously awaiting news, while the broader community rallies together in support. The resilience of the fishing community and their ability to come together during crises is a testament to their strong bonds and shared experiences.
