Joint Search and Rescue Drill Between Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center No. 1 and the Command of Coast Guard Region 1

On 17 May 2023, the Command of Coast Guard Region 1 and Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center no.1 (Regional Center I) conducted a search and rescue (SAR) exercise, including fire-fighting assistance, in the waters of Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Archipelago, Hai Phong City. This drill was part of the 2023 joint SAR training program, focusing on operational coordination and rescue equipment utilization.

Scenario: At 13:30 on 17 May 2023, the Command of Coast Guard Region 1 received a distress report from Anh Duong International Transport and Trade Joint Stock Company (based in Hai Phong City). The report stated that MV Bien Dong 668, under the company’s management, collided with FV HP 99599 TS in position 20°42’00’’N, 107°07’00’’E in the waters of Lan Ha Bay. FV HP 99599 TS had 12 crew members onboard.

After the collision, the fishing vessel sustained hull damage, an electrical short circuit, and a fire at the stern. Three crew members fell overboard. Two crew members sustained injuries: One suffered burns to the chest, and one sustained a head injury. MV Bien Dong 668 turned back to assist in firefighting and to search for the missing crew members. The fishing vessel’s captain requested immediate assistance.

Upon receiving the distress report from the Command of Coast Guard Region 1, Regional Centre I coordinated with relevant units to verify the incident, determine the distress vessel's position, and use supporting software to identify vessels in vicinity of distress position to mobilize for the search and rescue. Meanwhile, required MV Bien Dong 668 fire-fighting assistance and search and rescue operation. Both forces deployed SAR vessel 411, Coast Guard vessels CSB 4036 and CSB 3004, and rescue boat CSB 721 to distress position.

With close and harmonious coordination, SAR 411 assumed on-scene commander and directed all forces to rescue victims; first aid was provided to the injured crew members; at the same time directed vessels to extinguish the fire on the fishing vessel successfully; handled situations according to plan, ensuring absolute safety of personnel and equipment.

Mr. Dao Van Hien, Deputy Director of Regional Center I, stated that the exercise aimed to enhance coordination, command organization, and operational proficiency of SAR personnel from both forces; manage and utilize facilities, and technical equipment efficiently, and ensure the successful completion of tasks under any circumstances.

SAR 411 and CSB 4036 carried out water spraying to extinguish the fire on the distress vessel

First aid was provided to the victims after being rescued aboard SAR 411

The rescue teams assisted in fire-fighting efforts on the distress vessel

SAR 411 assisted in fire-fighting efforts on the distress vessel