On the morning of 19/12, 53 fishermen, rescued from a squid fishing boat that caught fire two days earlier, arrived safely at Song Tu Tay island, part of the Truong Sa (Khanh Hoa) special zone. Lieutenant colonel Nguyen Van Chien, deputy commander of Song Tu Tay island, led a boat crew to receive the fishermen from a coast guard vessel.

Navy personnel bringing fishermen to Song Tu Tay island, morning of 19/12. *Photo: Chau Vu*

The incident occurred on the morning of 17/12, when the squid fishing boat, captained by Huynh Van Hau from Nui Thanh commune, Da Nang city, was operating approximately 110 nautical miles from the Truong Sa special zone. The engine room caught fire, and despite the crew's efforts, they could not extinguish the flames. As the fire engulfed the cabin, the crew were forced to deploy basket boats to escape into the sea.

Following the emergency, Captain Hau contacted a vessel from Dak Lak, which took the 53 individuals on board. Yesterday morning, a vessel from the Coast Guard Command took over the operation, transporting the fishermen to Song Tu Tay island. The fishermen are currently in good health and stable spirits. They have received medical check-ups, clothing, and essential supplies, along with accommodation, while awaiting transfer back to the mainland.

Chau Vu - Hoang Phuong