Eleven Vietnamese fishermen, allegedly attacked by two Chinese coastguard vessels in late September, returned to their home port October 13.
The fishermen landed in Binh Son District, Quang Nam Province after being saved by a Vietnamese fishing boat from the same province.
He alleged Chinese boarded his boat, and stole property and fishing equipment worth some VND1 billion (USD47,600) The fishermen were ignored as their vessel took on water.
Another Vietnamese fishing boat, QNg 90352 TS, was nearby and rescued the fishermen.
On June 10, fishing boats of Quang Ngai Province were also allegedly robbed by four Chinese ships off the Paracel Islands. The Chinese ships surrounded the Vietnamese, and six people allegedly boarded and looted the boats.
Le Quang Thich, vice chairman of Quang Ngai Province told reporters 23 local fishing boats have been attacked by Chinese vessels over the past six months and there was a rise in intrusions by China's coastguard and fishing boats.
Chinese ships came within 16 nautical miles of Ly Son Island. Authorities are conducting programmes to raise awareness so fishermen can work more safely while protecting the sovereignty of Vietnam waters, Thich said.
