The incident occurred on the evening of 2/1 as the 15-meter fishing boat, captained by Vo Thanh Dung (40), was entering the La Gi estuary after a fishing trip. Large waves overwhelmed the vessel, causing it to sink and drift towards the embankment. The captain and two other crew members managed to jump off the boat and swim safely to shore. However, Tran Duc Thai, a 16-year-old fisherman and the youngest on board, was swept away by the waves and is now missing.

As of the morning of 3/1, border guard forces and local fishermen are conducting a search for the missing teenager. Huynh Thanh Quoc Viet, Chairman of Phuoc Hoi Ward People's Committee, confirmed the ongoing search operations.

The wooden boat, sunk by waves, drifted to the La Gi embankment while entering the estuary on the evening of 2/1. Photo: Binh Tuy

The wooden boat, sunk by waves, drifted to the La Gi embankment while entering the estuary on the evening of 2/1. Photo: Binh Tuy

Local residents report that the La Gi estuary has been significantly silted up for many years, hindering safe navigation, and has not undergone necessary dredging. This ongoing issue has led to numerous incidents involving fishing boats entering and exiting the estuary, particularly during periods of strong winds and high waves.

At the time of the accident, the sea off La Gi experienced winds of force 6-7 and waves reaching approximately 1,5 meters. The fishing boat, powered by a 220 horsepower engine, was engaged in gillnet fishing. It had departed from La Gi at 2 AM on 2/1 with four crew members aboard.

Tu Huynh