The SAR 411 rescue ship heading to the area.
According to the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (Vietnam MRCC), the incident happened at around 6.50 am as the Hosei Crown (120 metres long and 21 metres wide) was en route from Chua Ve Port in Haiphong City to the Philippines.
The collision caused the fishing boat TH 92686 TS to sink, leaving 12 crew members missing.
Immediately after receiving the distress signal, the Vietnam MRCC coordinated with the Haiphong Coastal Information Station to issue a maritime safety broadcast and directly mobilise vessels operating in the area to join the search and rescue efforts.
The centre also requested that the Hosei Crown promptly deploy lifebuoys and initiate on-site search operations.
Search and rescue forces quickly established a search zone at the scene and dispatched the SAR 411 rescue ship to assist in locating the missing crew.
Adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and thick fog, posed significant challenges to the operation.
By 9.10 am, rescuers had managed to save eight fishermen and recover four bodies. All survivors and deceased were brought ashore by the SAR 411 vessel to the Vietnam MRCC dock in Haiphong and handed over to the relevant authorities.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the accident, in coordination with the appropriate agencies.
