Late on 24/8, the Kien Hai Special Economic Zone Military Command received news that barge BN-2785, owned by Hoang Ha Water Transport Co., Ltd., was in distress in the waters of Ap II.
At this time, the area experienced large waves due to the influence of typhoon Narra (typhoon No. 4). The barge, carrying about 1,700 tons of construction iron, sank, causing captain Hoang Van Thua, chief engineer Pham Van Bien, and 2 sailors Duong Van Tuan and Tran Ba Duy to fall into the sea.
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The barge sank, 4 crew members were rescued after 5 hours adrift at sea. *Photo: Phuong Vu*.
The Kien Hai Special Economic Zone Military Command coordinated with Hon Tre Border Guard Station, Squadron 28, local police, and fishermen, mobilizing about 25 people for search and rescue.
Around 2h on 25/8, rescue forces approached the sunken barge's location, rescued the 4 crew members, and brought them ashore. The victims were transferred to the Kien Hai Special Economic Zone Medical Center for examination, and their health is currently stable.
The barge sinking incident initially caused estimated damages of about 11 billion VND. Authorities are investigating the cause.
Ngoc Tai - Phuong Vu
