Fishing Vessel Sinks After Collision
A serious maritime accident occurred off the southern coast of Vietnam when the fishing vessel BTh 98379 TS sank after colliding with the cargo ship Viet Thuan 11-07, approximately 10 nautical miles southeast of Phu Hai Port.
According to preliminary reports, the fishing vessel was heading to its fishing grounds when it collided with the cargo ship sailing along Vietnam’s coastline. The impact caused the smaller vessel to sink rapidly, throwing all 17 crew members into the water.
Rescue Operation
Nearby fishing vessels immediately responded to the distress call and launched a rescue operation. Thanks to their quick actions, all crew members were recovered from the water.
Unfortunately, one fisherman later died from his injuries, while the remaining 16 crew members were successfully rescued and brought safely ashore.
Following the accident, one crew member remained at the scene to assist authorities in monitoring the sunken vessel.
Investigation Underway
After the collision, the cargo ship Viet Thuan 11-07 was directed to an anchorage for inspection. Vietnamese maritime authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Investigators will examine navigational data, weather conditions, and the actions of both crews before issuing their final report.
A Reminder About Maritime Safety
The accident once again highlights the importance of complying with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), maintaining a proper lookout, and ensuring effective communication between vessels.
Although the rescue operation prevented a greater tragedy, the collision serves as another reminder that even a single maritime accident can result in the loss of life and the total loss of a vessel.
