On July 20, the Department of Water Resources and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control under the Quang Tri Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment reported that a local fishing boat had capsized at sea, but all crew members survived the incident unharmed.

At 8:30 AM on July 19, while fishing approximately 35 nautical miles from shore, the vessel with registration number QB-33841 TS, captained by Pham Van Tri (55), a resident of Phu Trach commune, Quang Tri, was overwhelmed by large waves and sank.

At the time of the incident, Captain Tri was on board with six other fishermen, all residents of Quang Tri province. Upon noticing the situation, a nearby fishing vessel, QB-93628 TS, captained by Pham Ngoc Huong of Hoa Trach commune, promptly approached and conducted a rescue operation.

Within about 30 minutes, all seven crew members of the sunken boat were safely rescued. Their health was stable, and they were brought ashore without further incident.

According to official statistics, Quang Tri province has a total of 8,267 fishing vessels employing 25,801 workers. As of midday July 20, 617 vessels with 3,107 workers were reported to be operating at sea.

The Provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue has urged local authorities and relevant agencies to promptly notify vessel owners and captains about the location, path, and developments of Typhoon Wipha so they can take proactive safety measures.

Hai Sam