The rescued fishermen are brought safely on board by officers from the Rạch Gốc Border Guard Station. — VNA/VNS Photo

CÀ MAU — Thirteen fishermen have been rescued and safely brought ashore after their vessel sank in rough seas off the coast of Cà Mau Province on November 21, thanks to the rapid and coordinated response of the Border Guard and nearby fishing vessels.

A fishing boat owned by Ngô Văn Nghiệp and captained by Lưu Văn Thắng, was operating around 15 nautical miles east-south-east of Rạch Gốc Estuary in Phan Ngọc Hiển Commune, when strong waves and high winds caused it to go down.

The fishermen, who were engaged in offshore bottom-fishing, were thrown into the water and drifted at sea as the vessel quickly sank.

After receiving the distress report from shore, the Border Guard Station at Rạch Gốc immediately mobilised a search and rescue operation.

Four nearby fishing boats – responded to the emergency call and rushed to the scene, working closely with border-guard officers to locate the drifting men.

All 13 fishermen were found alive and brought safely back to land.

Authorities confirmed that their health and mental state remained stable despite the ordeal.

The owner estimated that the loss of the vessel amounted to nearly VNĐ 1 billion (around US$40,000).

The incident underscores the dangerous conditions faced by offshore fishing workers, who remain highly vulnerable to sudden changes in weather even when operating relatively close to shore.

It also highlights the importance of well-coordinated community rescue networks, where timely communication between fishermen and authorities can make the difference between life and death.

With livelihoods heavily dependent on the sea, such a financial loss is a serious setback for both owner and crew.

As Việt Nam continues its efforts to modernise the fishing sector, enhancing safety equipment and improving early-warning systems remain essential in reducing risks for those who work at sea.

Local officials emphasised that although all lives were saved this time, continued investment in maritime-safety infrastructure is needed to ensure fishermen across the country can operate in safer and more resilient conditions. — VNS