The Dung Quat Port Border Post reported on 5/1 that a vessel, damaged during fishing, drifted into Ky Ha waters (Da Nang) on 3/1 after its engine failed. Following rescue by a fisheries patrol boat, strong winds and high waves caused the vessel's anchor to break, leading it to drift ashore near Van Tuong beach in Quang Ngai.

Authorities accessed the vessel on the morning of 5/1. *Photo: Thach Thao*

Border guards identified the vessel as a steel-hulled fishing boat, over 46 meters long and 8,5 meters wide, used exclusively for fishing without military equipment. It bears the hull number 08888 and Chinese characters (roughly translated as "Quynh Dam Ngu"). Many parts are rusted and damaged, and its machinery is inoperable. The cabin's interior is disarranged, with numerous Chinese documents and papers scattered about.

Authorities concluded that the main engine is damaged beyond repair. Evidence of recent activity suggests the crew abandoned the vessel approximately 5-7 days before its discovery. Diesel oil remains in its storage tanks, presenting a potential risk of an oil spill and subsequent environmental damage.

The vessel, having drifted for several days, is now situated about 200 meters northeast of the Dung Quat Oil Refinery pipeline and a Petrolimex oil and gas depot, raising concerns for national defense and security.

The Dung Quat Port Border Post has urged relevant agencies to deploy specialized teams to: inspect and neutralize any potential explosives, secure the vessel, and quantify the remaining fuel to prepare for an oil spill response.

Authorities are also advised to promptly notify the Department of Foreign Affairs to coordinate information sharing with Chinese diplomatic missions in Vietnam.

Pham Linh