Urgent search and rescue of crew members from fishing vessel TH 92686 TS sunk after collision with Panama flag vessel Hosei Crown

At 06:55 on April 8, 2025, Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (the Center) received a report from the vessel HOSEI CROWN (Panama flag, Callsign: 3FHL8, IMO: 9543926; 120m length overall, 21m beam), en route from Chua Ve Port (Hai Phong) to the Philippines. The vessel had collided with fishing vessel TH 92686 TS in position 20-21N, 107-05E  approximately 20 nautical miles south of Buoy No. 0 of Hai Phong fairway and 45 nautical miles northwest of Bach Long Vi Island; causing the fishing vessel to sink. The local weather featured southeast winds at force 3–4 and foggy conditions at sea.

Upon receiving the report, the Center immediately required m/v HOSEI CROWN to continue search missing victims, deploy life rafts, and conduct rescue operations; broadcasted a maritime distress message; contacted vessels directly; mobilized available local ships to assist; planned a search area for on-scene facilities; and dispatched SAR 411 to search and rescue. The Center also notified relevant local forces for coordinated action and reported the distress to the National Civil Defense Steering Committee and the Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration for further direction.

A forward command post was established at the Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center no.I (Hai Phong), and a working team was deployed to direct the coordinated operations at the scene.

By 09:10 on April 8, 2025, search and rescue forces had rescued 8 crew members and recovered 4 bodies. SAR 411 transported all survivors and deceased individuals to the Center pier in Hai Phong for handover to the authorities.

The Center continues to coordinate with relevant agencies in investigating and verifying the cause of the accident.

SAR 411 departed for search and rescue

Panama flag vessel Hosei Crown

Locate distress’s position

The forward command post at Hai Phong

The command post at Ha Noi