Around 8:15 h, a fishing boat captained by Nguyen Van Tu, residing in Phu Thuy ward, departed with 21 crew members. After selling seafood at the port, they sailed to anchor offshore near the Phu Hai estuary, approximately 2 km southwest of the coast.

While anchored, the boat suddenly caught fire. The crew immediately jumped into the sea to escape. A column of smoke from the burning vessel rose high, visible from downtown Phan Thiet.

The Thanh Hai Border Guard Post reported that immediately after receiving the alert, the unit dispatched three boats with 10 officers and soldiers. They coordinated with Squadron 2, reaching the scene to begin firefighting efforts.

About 15 minutes later, rescue forces reached the boat and sprayed water to control the blaze. The fire was completely extinguished. All 21 crew members were picked up by nearby fishing boats and border guard canoes, and brought safely ashore.

Border Guard forces and local fishermen assisted in extinguishing the fire. Photo: Khai Nguyen

The fire caused estimated damages of hundreds of millions of VND. The boat owner is arranging for a vessel to tow the boat ashore for repairs. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

Khai Nguyen