The Coast Guard Region 1 Command said on July 3 that it was working with relevant authorities to search for two missing fishermen after fishing vessel QN 90568 TS sank about 10 nautical miles south of the Co To Special Zone.
At around 6 am, the command received a report from Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre Region I about the accident.
The fishing boat sank while operating at sea with seven crew members on board. Five fishermen were rescued safely by rescue forces and nearby vessels, while two remain missing.
Rescue teams said heavy rain, force 7 to 8 winds and high waves at the scene have made search operations extremely difficult.
According to preliminary information, the vessel was owned by Nguyen Van Thanh, a resident of Phu Hai Area, Quang Ha Commune, Quang Ninh Province.
At around 1.28 am on July 3, the boat encountered heavy rain and rough seas while fishing before sinking.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the incident as search efforts for the two missing fishermen remain under way.