On July 6, a tragic maritime accident occurred off Vietnam’s south-central coast when a fishing boat, BTh 98379 TS, sank after colliding with the cargo ship Viet Thuan 11-07. The incident took place approximately 10 nautical miles southeast of Phu Hai Port in Lam Dong Province. Despite the quick response from nearby fishing vessels, which rescued all 17 crew members, one fisherman tragically lost his life.
The fishing vessel, measuring 17.1 meters and powered by a 420-horsepower engine, had departed Phu Hai Port early that morning for a fishing expedition. The boat was owned and captained by 54-year-old Phan Van Chi from Phu Thuy Ward. After the rescue, the survivors were transferred to another fishing boat, with 15 crew members reported to be in stable condition alongside the deceased.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the collision. The Thanh Hai Border Guard Station promptly alerted nearby vessels to expedite the rescue operation and has since visited the families of those affected to offer support. The cargo ship involved has moved to an anchorage outside Phan Thiet Port to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. The identity of the deceased fisherman has not yet been disclosed.
