SAR Communication Exercise on Information Processing and Coordination of Search and Rescue Operations with the Korea Coast Guard

On the afternoon of May 17, 2024, in Hanoi, the Rescue Coordination Department of the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, under the Vietnam Maritime Administration, organized an exercise on information processing and coordination of search and rescue operations with the Search and Rescue Department of the Korea Coast Guard. This exercise was conducted following the directive from the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue, stated in Document No. 62/UB-VP dated January 22, 2024, regarding the plan for joint search and rescue information processing exercises with foreign counterparts. The exercise simulated two scenarios:

Scenario 1: While sailing through Vietnamese waters, a South Korean-flagged container ship named HYUNDAI HOCHIMINH experienced a fire in its cargo hold and listed 30 degrees to the right, with a risk of capsizing. The crew intended to abandon the ship using lifeboats. The vessel's captain requested emergency assistance from the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre.

Scenario 2: A Vietnamese-flagged cargo ship carrying bagged rice collided with an underwater object, causing seawater to flood Cargo Hold No. 2, and the ship listed 20 degrees to the left. The crew attempted to save the ship by using bilge pumps and offloading cargo to reduce the list but were unsuccessful. During the salvage operation, one crew member sustained severe facial injuries. The ship’s captain requested assistance from the Korea Coast Guard to salvage and rescue the injured crew member.

Images of the joint maritime search and rescue communication exercise between the Korea Coast Guard Search and Rescue Department and the Rescue Coordination Department of the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre.

The exercise occurred as planned, yielding positive results and receiving high praise from the South Korean side.