HCM City’s Border Guard officers assist one of eight fishermen rescued off the coast of Côn Đảo Island after his fishing boat sank following a collision with a cargo vessel early on October 31. — Photo courtesy of the HCM City Border Guard Command

HCM CITY — Eight fishermen were safely rescued after their fishing boat sank following a collision with a cargo vessel off the coast of Côn Đảo Island on Friday (October 31), according to the HCM City Border Guard Command.

At around 4.30am, the fishing boat BT 93839 TS, carrying eight crew members, collided with a cargo ship about six nautical miles northwest of Côn Đảo.

The impact caused the fishing vessel to sink, forcing the crew to evacuate in a small round boat.

Upon receiving the distress call, the Côn Đảo Border Guard Station, under the HCM City Border Guard Command, immediately launched a rescue mission.

A team of five officers and soldiers was dispatched, along with the fishing vessel BV 92927 TS, captained by Nguyễn Văn Dũng from Quảng Trị Province and owned by Nguyễn Văn Công from the city’s Phước Hải Commune.

At around 7.35am, rescuers reached the scene and safely brought all eight fishermen aboard the rescue vessel.

The fishing boat was found partially submerged about three nautical miles from Hòn Tre Islet. Initial health checks showed all crew members were in stable condition.

The sunken vessel was owned and captained by Nguyễn Văn Sị from Vĩnh Long Province (formerly Bến Tre).

It had departed from the Hàm Luông Border Guard Station on October 30 for a fishing trip.

By 9.15am, the rescue vessel returned to Bến Đầm Port. The Côn Đảo Border Guard Station provided medical care, food, and accommodation for the rescued fishermen and is completing further procedures in line with regulations. — VNS