Rescue forces search for the victims on August 17.
According to local authorities, the incident occurred at around 6.15pm on August 17 near Hon Ba Islet. By 8pm, police had reported the accident to the commune’s People’s Committee.
The raft, owned by 45-year-old Nguyen Van, had departed from Ghenh Vo Port to the offshore area of Binh Hai Village, where he raises clams.
After the accident, locals rescued and brought 32-year-old Le Thi ashore for treatment at Dam Ha Medical Station. Her condition later stabilised.
Dam Ha authorities, in coordination with Quang Ha Commune and Quang Duc Border Guard Station, mobilised police and military forces for the rescue. However, heavy rain and low tide hindered the search.
By 7am on August 18, rescuers had recovered the bodies of a 43-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman at a nearby oyster farming area.
The remaining 14 people were brought safely to shore. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.
