Eleven Vietnamese fishermen were rescued after two fishing boats collided with a foreign-flagged cargo ship approximately eight nautical miles southeast of Vung Tau Cape on Saturday afternoon. The collision caused both fishing vessels to sink, throwing all 11 crew members into the sea. Timely intervention by a nearby fishing boat and the Ho Chi Minh City Border Guard Command ensured all individuals were brought safely ashore, though one sustained facial and chest injuries. The Panamanian-flagged cargo ship, SEA NOBLE, has been detained pending an investigation into the cause of the maritime accident.
Collision and Sinking
The accident occurred on the afternoon of November 1, 2025, involving two local fishing vessels and a large foreign cargo ship.
The collision was between the Panama-flagged cargo ship SEA NOBLE and two Vietnamese fishing boats, identified by their registration numbers TG 90738 TS and BV 92437 TS. The incident took place in the waters of Vung Tau, about 8 nautical miles (approximately 15 kilometers) southeast of Vung Tau Cape.
According to the captain of one of the fishing boats, the two vessels were anchored together to fix a technical problem (a broken throttle cable) when they noticed the cargo ship approaching. Despite shouting, the cargo ship allegedly failed to respond, slamming into the boats. Both fishing vessels sank immediately or shortly thereafter.
Swift and Successful Rescue
The successful rescue operation prevented a potentially tragic outcome, relying on both civilian and military coordination. After the collision, the 11 crew members were forced to jump into the sea and cling to floating debris. They were first assisted by two other fishing boats passing by, who helped pull them from the water and notified authorities.
Upon receiving the distress signal, the Ho Chi Minh City Border Guard Command immediately dispatched the patrol ship BP 13-98-01 to the scene.
All 11 fishermen were rescued and brought safely ashore that evening. One crew member sustained facial injuries and chest pain and received immediate medical treatment from the Border Guard's medical staff. The rest were given necessary supplies, food, and clothing.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have initiated a probe to determine the factors contributing to the collision, particularly the actions of the foreign vessel.
The Ho Chi Minh City Border Guard is coordinating with the Ho Chi Minh City Maritime Port Authority to require the SEA NOBLE cargo ship to anchor off the Vung Tau coast pending a full investigation.
The investigation will clarify the sequence of events, why the larger cargo ship failed to observe or avoid the anchored fishing vessels, and whether there were any violations of maritime navigation rules.