Vietnamese SAR Forces Rescue 10 Crewmembers After Bulker
All Crew Rescued After Coal Carrier Sinks Off Vietnam
In a dramatic rescue operation over the weekend, all ten crew members of the coal carrier Cong Thanh 07 were saved after their vessel sank off the coast of Vietnam’s Son Duong port. The ship began taking on water in rough seas, prompting the crew to abandon ship. First responders worked tirelessly for over 12 hours to locate and rescue the stranded sailors.
Rescue Operation Unfolds in Rough Seas
On Sunday night at around 9 PM, the Cong Thanh 07 was navigating approximately six nautical miles from Son Duong when it encountered severe weather conditions that led to flooding. The vessel ultimately sank in about 30 meters of water, leaving the crew adrift in the turbulent sea. As the situation unfolded, the Vietnam Maritime Administration mobilized seven vessels to assist in the search and rescue efforts.
The first breakthrough came six hours after the sinking when a fishing boat located the first survivor 17 nautical miles southwest of the sinking site. This initial rescue prompted the national Search and Rescue (SAR) coordination center to expand the search area to a 30-nautical-mile strip extending southeast from the initial rescue point. By noon the following day, the search vessel SAR 631 successfully rescued six more crew members, while good Samaritans on nearby boats helped locate the remaining three. Remarkably, all ten crew members were accounted for and brought to safety.
Community and Maritime Response Highlights Resilience
The successful rescue operation underscores the effectiveness of Vietnam’s maritime response teams and the solidarity of local fishermen who played a crucial role in the rescue. The quick mobilization of resources and the coordination between various agencies ensured that the crew members were found and rescued in a timely manner. This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by maritime workers and the importance of preparedness in emergency situations.
As investigations into the cause of the sinking continue, the focus remains on the well-being of the rescued crew members, who are now safe and recovering from their ordeal. The incident has drawn attention to the need for enhanced safety measures in the shipping industry, particularly in challenging weather conditions.
