According to the National Steering Committee for Civil Defense, at approximately 4h on 7/7, patrol boat 50-0210, carrying three officers from the Ho Chi Minh City Waterway Traffic Police Patrol Team, was on duty. The vessel was on the Soai Rap River, passing through Doi Lau Hamlet, An Thoi Dong Commune, when it collided with an oil tanker.

The collision caused the patrol boat to capsize. Two officers managed to escape the overturned vessel, but Lieutenant Colonel Pham Son Binh is missing.

Following the accident, local authorities mobilized 40 officers, including soldiers, police, and militia personnel, along with 14 patrol boats, to search for the missing officer. By the evening of the same day, authorities had not yet located Lieutenant Colonel Binh.

To ensure maritime safety and facilitate search operations, the Ho Chi Minh City Maritime Port Authority issued a directive. From 17h on 7/7 until further notice, all vessels passing through the incident area must reduce speed. The Port Authority also urged all organizations and individuals operating on the river to heighten vigilance, assist in the search efforts, and comply with instructions from authorities.

The Soai Rap River spans over 40 km and serves as a crucial waterway. It connects Ho Chi Minh City's seaports to the open sea, accommodating large tonnage vessels entering and exiting the ports.

Ha Giang