Fishing Boat Sinks After Collision With Cargo Ship Off Vietnam, One Dead

A fisherman died after a fishing boat carrying 17 crew members sank following a collision with a cargo ship off Vietnam’s south-central coast on July 6, authorities said.

The accident happened about 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) southeast of the entrance to Phu Hai Port in Lam Dong Province.

The fishing vessel BTh 98379 TS collided with the cargo ship Viet Thuan 11-07, causing the smaller vessel to sink.

Nearby fishing boats quickly responded and rescued all 17 crew members from the water. However, one fisherman later died.

According to the Lam Dong Border Guard Command, the 17.1-metre fishing vessel, powered by a 420-horsepower engine, had left Phu Hai Port at around 7 a.m. on July 6 for a fishing trip.

The vessel was owned and captained by Phan Van Chi, 54, from Phu Thuy Ward in Lam Dong Province.

After the rescue, the fishermen were taken aboard another fishing vessel. Fifteen survivors, who were reported to be in stable condition, along with the body of the deceased crew member, were brought ashore.

Captain Phan Van Chi remained near the accident site to assist authorities and keep watch over the sunken vessel.

The rescued crew members and the victim’s body were expected to arrive at Phu Hai Port at around 2 p.m. the same day, where authorities would carry out the required procedures.

The cargo ship Viet Thuan 11-07 later headed to the anchorage outside Phan Thiet Port, where it will work with authorities investigating the collision.

Thanh Hai Border Guard Station said it alerted nearby vessels as soon as it received reports of the accident, helping speed up the rescue operation. Officials also visited the affected families to assess the situation and provide support.

Authorities have not released the identity of the fisherman who died. The cause of the collision is under investigation.

References: VOV, laodong