Quang Binh’s search 13 missing fishermen continued after the recovery of a body on December 31. Another seven fishing crew from another vessel are also reported missing.
The fishing boat was recovered at 8.30 pm January 2, but none of the crew were found
The boat of 30-year old Nguyen Phong from Quang Trach District, Quang Binh Province sank at around 3 am on December 30, five days after it departed for a fishing trip from Quang Binh to Thua Thien Hue.
Mai Van, captain of another ship which accompanied Phong's ship, said that when they were arriving in Thua Thien Hue, they received news that a monsoon was heading their way from the north. "Our trips are often a week to 10 days long. But due to bad weather that day, we returned."
They decided to head to the Gianh River estuary on December 30. However, the engine on Phong's ship suddenly died when the ship was about 7 nautical miles from the river’s estuary. The sea started to turn violent and the ship, which was carrying 14 fishermen, capsized.
Mai Van said he immediately contacted another ship that went on the fishing trip with them. However, they couldn't approach the sunken ship because of bad weather. "The waves were tens of metres high so we couldn't help them in the dark." Van said.
While rescuers have continued their search, another fishing boat was reported missing.
On January 3, Nguyen Thanh Don, Chairman of Quang Phuc Commune's People's Committee in Quang Binh Province said another vessel owned by Nguyen Van Chuan had gone missing two days ago.
Chuan's family reported to the authorities that they hadn't received any news after Chuan and six crew mates went fishing near Hainan Island on December 26, 2012.
Don said Chuan's ship went with 19 other ships. They made contacted with the other ships, who sought shelter at Bach Long Vi Island to avoid bad weather but they couldn't make contact Chuan.
One theory is that the radio transceiver on Chuan's ship was broken. However, Chuan's family said the trips are often one week to 10 days long and Chuan would always contact with family.
Chuan's family have taken two boats out to search for Chuan.
Families of the 13 missing fishermen remain fearful
Locals hope that the remaining 13 fishermen will be found
Another ship from Quang Binh is missing
