According to the Hai Phong Border Guard Command, rescue forces coordinated with Border Guard Flotilla 38, Coast Guard Region 1, Naval Region 1 and other agencies to successfully rescue all 11 fishermen in waters near Bach Long Vi Island.

Earlier, at around 6:15 a.m. on May 27, the Bach Long Vi Border Guard Station received an emergency report from Pham Van Minh, a resident of the Bach Long Vi special zone, regarding the fishing vessel HP 90666 TS.

The vessel, captained by Le Ngoc Nam and carrying 11 people, had departed from Mat Rong Wharf in Nam Trieu Ward, Hai Phong, heading toward Bach Long Vi Island when it encountered trouble about 18 nautical miles from Long Chau Island.

Upon receiving the distress report, the Hai Phong Border Guard Command deployed three rescue vessels and 33 officers and soldiers from the Bach Long Vi and Cat Ba border guard stations, along with Squadron 2, to participate in the search and rescue operation.

By 6:30 p.m. the same day, border guards, coordinating with other rescue forces and nearby fishing boats operating in the area, located and successfully rescued all 11 fishermen.

Authorities said the rescued fishermen are now in stable condition.

According to survivors, the vessel encountered large waves and strong winds while traveling from the mainland to Bach Long Vi Island. Water flooded into the boat’s compartment and, despite efforts by the crew to pump the water out, the vessel eventually sank completely.

The fishermen then put on life jackets, used emergency flotation equipment and drifted at sea for several hours before being found by rescue teams.

Minh Phong