Around 1 a.m. on 17/12, fishing vessel QNa-91917 TS, captained by Huynh Van Hau, 53, residing in Nui Thanh commune, Da Nang city, caught fire. The vessel was operating approximately 110 nautical miles from Da Nam island in the Truong Sa archipelago, Khanh Hoa province. The blaze spread quickly and could not be controlled, causing the vessel to sink shortly after.

At the time of the incident, there were 53 crew members on board. The fishermen had to jump into the sea to escape. Four other fishing boats operating nearby promptly approached the scene and rescued all fishermen safely.

The Da Nang Border Guard Command stated that a Da Nang fishing vessel is currently en route to meet the rescue group. It is expected to bring the fishermen ashore by that afternoon.

Fishing vessel QNa-91917 TS had a power of over 1,200 horsepower and measured 28 meters in length. It was engaged in squid fishing and had departed from Ky Ha port on 11/11. Initially, 55 crew members were registered, but two individuals later left the vessel to return to the mainland for military service medical examinations.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

Nguyen Dong