Vietnamese Coast Guard Rescues Stranded Fishing Boat in South China Sea

The Vietnamese Coast Guard vessel KN 462 successfully rescued fishing boat BĐ98387TS and its nine crew members after the boat suffered a main engine failure in the waters near the Spratly Islands (Truong Sa) in the South China Sea. This operation underscores Vietnam's commitment to ensuring the safety of its fishermen and protecting its maritime sovereignty. The incident occurred on the afternoon of July 11, when the fishing boat BĐ98387TS, while operating approximately 33 nautical miles from An Bang Island in the Spratly Islands, experienced a critical failure in its main engine. Attempts to repair the engine on-site were unsuccessful due to the severity of the damage. Upon receiving the distress signal, the 3rd Coast Guard Region Command (based in Ho Chi Minh City) promptly dispatched the KN 462 to the scene. The crew of KN 462 provided medical checks for the fishermen and technical assistance to assess and attempt repairs. However, given the extent of the engine damage, it was determined that towing the vessel was necessary. On the evening of July 11, the KN 462 began towing the BĐ-98387-TS fishing boat to the harbor of Đá Tây Island (Đảo Đá Tây) for comprehensive repairs. By 6:00 AM on July 12, the distressed fishing boat had safely arrived at Đá Tây Island and commenced repair work. The fishing boat BĐ98387TS, captained by Mai Xuan Tien (born 1980, from Gia Lai province), had departed from Mui Tan Border Guard Checkpoint (Đồn Biên phòng Cửa khẩu Quy Nhơn) on July 1 to engage in fishing activities in the waters of the Spratly Islands. This timely rescue operation has been lauded as a demonstration of the responsibility and proactiveness of the officers and soldiers of the 3rd Coast Guard Region Command in search and rescue missions at sea. It contributes to protecting the lives and assets of fishermen, supporting their endeavors to venture out to sea for economic development, and firmly safeguarding the nation's sacred maritime and island sovereignty. Vietnam, with its extensive maritime resources and complex maritime claims in the region, relies on such efficient rescue operations to ensure the stability of its fishing industry. This incident also serves to communicate to the international community Vietnam's role as a responsible nation committed to maintaining maritime safety and order. The one-party system in Vietnam prioritizes the stability and security of its citizens, and this event can be seen as part of that broader objective.