During this period, officers and soldiers of Quynh Phuong Border Post under the Nghe An provincial Border Guard Command remained on constant alert, providing timely rescue assistance and serving as a dependable support force for fishermen operating at sea.
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Fishermen in distress are promptly rescued and brought ashore safely by the officers and soldiers of Lach Con Border Checkpoint. |
Within just a few days, the unit successfully conducted multiple rescue operations, ensuring the safety of both fishermen and their vessels despite adverse weather conditions.
At approximately 9:25 a.m. on May 22, 2026, personnel at Lach Con Border Checkpoint, Quynh Phuong Border Post, detected trawler TH-91969-TS, owned and captained by Nguyen Van Nam of Thanh Hoa province, stranded while approaching port. After entering the wrong channel, the 12-meter vessel ran aground near the estuary, where large waves continuously battered its hull.
The post immediately dispatched a speedboat and four officers and soldiers to the scene while coordinating with a local fishing vessel to assist in the operation. Despite difficult sea conditions, rescuers successfully freed the vessel and brought it to safety by 11 a.m. All crew-members and the vessel were safe.
“When the trawler ran aground, the waves were extremely strong and everyone on board was worried,” Nam said. “Without the timely support of the border guard force, the consequences could have been serious.”
Two days earlier, on May 20, officers conducting patrol duties near the Lach Con estuary discovered fishing ship NA-73210-TS, captained by Pham Van Hieu of Nghe An province, in distress while returning to shore. Strong winds and high waves had caused the vessel to drift out of control, leaving it at risk of sinking about one nautical mile from the estuary entrance.
The border post immediately deployed personnel and rescue equipment while mobilizing local fishermen to assist. After several hours battling rough seas, rescuers successfully towed the ship and its crew safely back to shore.
“The waves were so powerful that the ship kept turning sideways and was in danger of capsizing,” Hieu recalled. “Seeing the border guard rescue boat arrive gave us confidence and peace of mind.”
The unit also responded to a more serious incident on May 19, when fishing ship NA-70365-TS, owned by Hoang Van Ly of Nghe An province, sank after being struck by large waves about one nautical mile offshore while entering the estuary.
Despite hazardous conditions and high waves, rescue personnel quickly reached the scene and safely brought two fishermen back to shore. Both victims were exhausted and in shock after spending hours in the water. Military medics provided immediate first aid and medical care.
According to Colonel Nguyen Trung Thanh, Head of Quynh Phuong Border Post, weather conditions in the area have remained highly unpredictable, particularly around the Lach Con estuary, where strong currents and large waves pose constant risks to ships entering and leaving port.
“Guided by the spirit of serving the people, our unit remains ready with personnel and equipment, closely monitors developments at sea, and responds immediately whenever emergencies occur,” Thanh said.
In addition to search-and-rescue missions, the post regularly advises fishermen on maritime safety regulations, provides weather updates, inspects lifesaving equipment, and warns against navigating through the estuary during severe weather.
The image of border guard officers and soldiers braving rough seas to rescue fishermen has earned deep appreciation from local communities. For many fishermen, these servicemen are not only guardians of the nation’s maritime sovereignty but also a trusted lifeline at sea, always ready to protect lives and property when danger strikes.
Their timely assistance continues to give fishermen the confidence to venture offshore and sustain their livelihoods while contributing to the protection of Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty.
Translated by Tran Hoai