On the morning of 1/2, Ms. Dang Thi Hong Lam, Chairwoman of La Gi Ward People's Committee, stated that Border Guard forces and local fishermen are currently searching for the missing person in the La Gi sea area.

According to Phuoc Loc Border Guard Station, the fishing boat had a capacity of 33 horsepower, was approximately 10 meters long, and was captained by Vo Van Hien, 52, a resident of La Gi ward. On the afternoon of 31/1, the boat departed with 5 workers to fish in local waters.

The fishing boat carrying five people that sank at the La Gi estuary. Photo: Binh Tuy

Around 5h on the same day, as the boat returned to La Gi port and navigated through the estuary, it was struck by large waves, capsized, and sank. Four crew members managed to jump off the boat and were rescued by fishing boats operating nearby, brought safely to shore. However, Mr. Hien was swept away by the waves and remains missing.

The Border Guard mobilized 10 officers and soldiers in coordination with functional forces and local fishermen to deploy search operations at sea.

The La Gi estuary where the fishing boat met with an accident. Photo: Binh Tuy

According to local authorities, recently, the La Gi port estuary has seen numerous fishing boat accidents when vessels enter and exit. This is due to the estuary silting up, creating unsafe conditions for boats. A dredging project for the La Gi port entrance is currently underway.

Tu Huynh