Two fishermen from the coastal province of Binh Dinh, Vietnam, are currently missing at sea after falling overboard from their respective fishing vessels. Both incidents occurred during fishing operations, prompting extensive search efforts by local authorities and fellow fishermen.
The first incident took place on February 21, 2023, when Lê Thanh Tiến, 36, fell off the fishing vessel BĐ-94563-TS. This vessel, owned by Nguyen Nhâm and captained by Nguyễn Văn Xuân, had set sail from Vung Tau with 24 crew members aboard. At approximately 3 am, when the ship was conducting operations about 172 nautical miles southwest of Côn Đảo, Tiến lost his footing and fell overboard, prompting immediate alerts and search operations.
According to reports by Dân trí, "The BĐ 94563 TS and several local fishing vessels are actively searching for the missing crew member, but there are no results yet." The search involves not only the BĐ-94563 but also other local fishing boats, such as BĐ-94017 and BĐ-97107, all of which are mobilized to locate Tiến.
Meanwhile, the second fisherman, Võ Văn Tín, aged 51, went missing from the fishing vessel BĐ-97731-TS. This vessel is owned by Lê Văn Thái and was captained by Lê Văn Thêm. The BĐ-97731-TS departed on February 18 from Tam Quan Border Patrol station, carrying five fishermen. At 11:55 pm on February 20, the vessel was about 90 nautical miles northwest of Song Tử Tây island when Tín fell overboard during their tuna fishing operations.
According to sources from local authorities, "Currently, the BĐ 97731 TS is organizing searches for Mr. Tín." The search continues as fellow fishermen keep their hopes alive for both men’s rescue.
The occurrences of these unfortunate incidents highlight the perilous nature of fishing activities at sea. Fishermen, often working under challenging conditions, face numerous risks, including sudden weather changes and operational hazards.
Communities along Vietnam's coast have shown great concern for the families affected by these incidents. Local fishermen frequently band together during such emergencies, demonstrating solidarity and support for each other. The efforts displayed by the fishing community to locate and rescue their missing comrades reflect the close-knit nature of coastal life.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of safety protocols at sea to prevent such tragedies from occurring. Regular training sessions on safety practices and emergency drills are often recommended to improve crew preparedness and response during fishing operations.
While search efforts continue, there has been no word on Tiến and Tín’s current statuses. Family members anxiously await updates as hope and faith persist within the fishing community. Monitoring the conditions at sea remains both dangerous and unpredictable, but local vessels remain vigilant and steadfast.
The incident serves as both a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who depend on the sea for their livelihoods and the bravery demonstrated by search efforts across the troubled waters. Local authorities, alongside fishermen, remain determined to resolve the search swiftly, hoping for the best outcomes for both families.
Further updates are expected from local news outlets and authorities as the situation develops. Communities will remain alert, ready to assist as necessary, with prayers and hopes firmly placed on the sea returning their loved ones safely.