Fishing Vessel Catches Fire in Gulf of Thailand
On December 17, a fishing vessel named *QNa 91917-TS* caught fire in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 110 nautical miles northeast of Da Nam Island, Vietnam. The 27-meter-long vessel was engaged in squid fishing when an electrical short in the engine ignited a fire that rapidly spread throughout the ship. Despite the crew’s efforts, they were unable to contain the blaze, leading to a distress call that prompted a swift response from Vietnamese authorities.
Rescue Operations and Crew Safety
Following the distress signal, Vietnamese authorities coordinated with nearby fishing vessels to provide assistance. The *Ng 95454-TS*, *QNg 95179-TS*, *QNa 91234-TS*, and *PY 90779-TS* responded promptly to the emergency. However, before these vessels could reach the *QNa 91917-TS*, the situation escalated, forcing all 52 crew members to abandon ship. They evacuated into life rafts as the fire consumed the vessel, which ultimately sank.
Fortunately, the nearby fishing vessels arrived shortly after the crew had abandoned ship and successfully rescued all 52 members. The crew was then transferred to a Vietnamese Coast Guard vessel, which transported them to safety at Song Tu Tay Island. This incident highlights the dangers faced by fishing crews at sea and the importance of prompt emergency response in maritime operations.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and further details will be released as authorities continue to assess the situation. The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in commercial fishing and the need for stringent safety measures on board vessels.
