CaliToday (11/10/2025): A tragic maritime incident has taken a dark turn as authorities in Quang Tri province announced they are investigating for "signs of a crime" in the sinking of two fishing boats that claimed the lives of nine fishermen. The catastrophic event, which occurred on the Gianh River, has now become the focus of a formal criminal probe.
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| Authorities salvaged one of the two fishing boats in Ho Chi Minh City that had an accident and drifted ashore. |
The Police Investigation Agency of Quang Tri province is handling the case, specifically looking into potential "violations of regulations on the operation of waterway transport" that may have led to the immense loss of life.
The incident unfolded on the night of September 28, 2025, when two fishing vessels, identified as BV 92756-TS and BV 92754-TS, were moored at the mouth of the Gianh River. As Typhoon No. 10 battered the coast, the powerful winds and surging waters reportedly caused the boats' anchor ropes to snap. The vessels, with 13 crew members aboard between them, were cast adrift and subsequently sank.
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| Image of fishing boat BV-92754-TS and 5 missing fishermen |
In the immediate aftermath, a frantic search and rescue operation was launched. While four fishermen were pulled from the treacherous waters alive, the grim task of recovery began. The bodies of four deceased crew members were found, but five others remain missing, now tragically presumed dead.
The decision to launch a criminal investigation suggests that authorities suspect the incident may not have been solely an unavoidable natural disaster. Investigators will likely scrutinize whether all safety protocols were followed, the condition of the vessels and their mooring equipment, and if any negligence contributed to the boats breaking free.
Authorities have been actively searching for the five missing fishermen and the wreckage of one of the vessels. The provincial police have issued a public notice appealing for any information regarding the missing individuals. Meanwhile, the local community remains in mourning as the search continues, hoping for closure in a tragedy that has deeply shaken the region's fishing communities.
