The vessel, QNg 90459TS, was safely towed to Cam Ranh Port in Khanh Hoa Province by naval ship HQ 950 from the Naval Region 4 Command.
Fishing vessel QNg 90459TS safely towed ashore (Photo: Nguyen Kim).
Captain Ngo Van Can, 54, said the fishing boat had suffered engine failure and could not be repaired despite the crew’s efforts.
The vessel drifted at about 2.5 nautical miles per hour in strong winds of force 5-6 and waves reaching 2-3 metres.
“The boat drifted for nearly two days as winds intensified and the sea became rough, causing concern among everyone. Thanks to the Navy's rescue, the vessel returned safely, and all crew members are in stable health,” Can said.
The captain said the vessel had departed on February 28 to fish for squid in the waters around Spratly Islands.
The engine first broke down on March 6 but was temporarily repaired, allowing the crew to begin heading back to shore.
However, on March 9 the engine failed again beyond repair, forcing the vessel to drift until rescue forces arrived.
Fishermen from Binh Son Commune in Quang Ngai are well known for squid fishing in the Spratly waters.
Each squid fishing vessel typically carries 40-45 crew members, with voyages lasting between two and three months.
A squid fisherman can earn about VND 100 million-VND 120 million (about USD 3,900-4,700) per trip, although the job is considered extremely demanding and dangerous due to the long periods spent at sea.