Soldiers onboard a ship heading to the sea to search for the fishermen in Bình Thuận Province. Photo tienphong.vn

BÌNH THUẬN — Four people remain lost at sea after four ships sank off the coast of Bình Thuận in the space of just a few days.

Authorities believe poor weather conditions are to blame for the vessels getting into difficulties.  

On March 11, authorities received a report a vessel had been struck by a large wave and capsized around 24 nautical miles from Phú Quý island.

There were seven fishermen and more than 800 tonnes of products on the ship. Five people were saved by a nearby ship, while two others are still unaccounted for.

Three days earlier, also in waters close to Phú Quý island, two barges sank, again due to harsh conditions at sea.

Two people are still missing.

Nguyễn Hùng Vân¸ Chief Officer of Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue Force in Bình Thuận, said the sea near Kê Gà does have dangerous, underwater currents.

Given the bad weather conditions, he said ships might encounter large waves and should take extra care.

Back in January, another ship got into difficulties and sank 11 nautical miles away from La Gi Town. Twelve people were saved but one lost at sea.

Nguyễn Hùng Vân also said the water near Phú Quý island consists of a lot of underground reefs which block the water flow and can create strong whirlpools. — VNS