A file photo of the Thai Ha 8888 cargo vessel
The Thai Ha 8888 cargo vessel, transporting 5,900 tonnes of cement, sank near the waters of Lang Co in Thua Thien Hue Province at around 12.30 am on October 27 amid rough seas and strong winds, according to the Chan May Border Guard Station.
Captain Nguyen Van Dong and seven crew members abandoned the ship, putting on life jackets and escaping on a life raft.
At 3.20 am the same day, the Long Son 38 vessel discovered and rescued all eight crew members, bringing them safely ashore in Danang City.
Initial reports indicate that before leaving the ship, the crew did not have time to close the valve containing 15,000 litres of diesel oil. Authorities are closely monitoring the site for any possible fuel leaks to prepare appropriate environmental response measures.
Rescue teams from Thua Thien Hue Province, in coordination with the Border Guard Command and the Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre Region II, are working to locate the sunken ship, assess the situation, and plan salvage operations.