Thanh Hoa’s border guards stamp out fire

Previously, at 10:30 a.m. on July 12, a fire broke out aboard the Phuong Nam 68, registration number V26-01079, Northwest of Hon Bang island in Dao Me. The ship, operated by Hong Manh Binh (born in 1970), a resident of Nghi Son ward of Thanh Hoa province, provided freshwater services for ships operating in the Nghi Son waters.

Forces swiftly transport rescue equipment.

Immediately after the incident occurred, the Border Guard Command of Nghi Son Port Border Gate and Squadron 2 of Thanh Hoa province notified nearby ships to assist in rescuing those in distress and extinguishing the fire. The Thanh Hoa Maritime Administration dispatched the ship Hoa Tieu, while Squadron 2 sent one of its ships to approach the scene, quickly implementing fire suppression measures and helping evacuate the injured for emergency treatment. The blaze was brought under control at 1:30 p.m. the same day.

High-capacity pumps used to put the fire under control

Rescue forces promptly transported five victims to hospital for emergency care and actively supported the damaged ship to ensure safety and prevent any potential oil spill. By 6p.m., the distressed vessel had been successfully towed back to the Vung Nghi Son area with assistance from the rescue team and local fishing ships.

Preliminary reports indicated that two crew-members aboard the Phuong Nam 68, along with three individuals from fishing vessel TH-90919-TS, owned by Nguyen Huy Toan (born in 1975) of Sam Son ward, Thanh Hoa province, sustained burns and were hospitalized. The Phuong Nam 68 suffered a ruptured engine compartment and extensive property damage from the fire.

The ship towed safely back to shore

Initial investigations suggest that the blaze started due to an electrical short circuit in the pump system while the Phuong Nam 68 was transferring water to fishing ship TH-90919-TS, which led to the fire spreading and injuring several crew-members.

Translated by Song Anh