Vessel Reception Ceremony in Da Nang: SAR 631 Strengthening Search and Rescue Capabilities in Central Vietnam's Maritime Area

On the morning of December 11, 2024, the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (VMRCC) held a ceremony to receive the offshore search and rescue vessel SAR 631 at the Hai Son Co., Ltd. Port in Da Nang. This significant event marks an essential step in enhancing maritime search and rescue capacity, particularly in the central region and the Hoang Sa archipelago.

SAR 631 picture

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Doan Huy Khuong - Member of the Standing Committee,  Head of the Organization Department of the Ministry of Transport’s Party Committee; Mr. Nguyen Giao Linh - Member of the Party Committee's Executive Board, Secretary of the Ministry of Transport’s Youth Union; Mr. Trinh The Cuong - Director of Da Nang Maritime Administration. They were joined by leaders and representatives from coordinating agencies, functional authorities, and local units where SAR 631 will be stationed.

SAR 631 Vessel Reception Ceremony

SAR 631 is a specialized offshore search and rescue vessel designed to operate effectively in harsh conditions and large-scale incidents. During the ceremony, Mr. Vu Viet Hung, Deputy General Director of the VMRCC, stated: "The permanent deployment of the SAR 631 vessel in Da Nang will significantly improve the ability to carry out search and rescue operations in the waters of Central Vietnam and the Hoang Sa archipelago, especially in complex, large-scale, and prolonged incidents. The SAR 631 is also designed to serve as a forward command center at the scene, enabling more timely and effective coordination for mission execution. With this new vessel, we have enhanced the efficiency of maritime search and rescue operations by specialized forces, affirming Vietnam's maritime rescue capabilities in the region." Mr. Hung also emphasized the need for the entire crew to effectively manage the reception, maintenance, training, and mastery of the new equipment and technology to ensure optimal utilization of the vessel.

The delegation of the Ministry of Transport visited the SAR 631 vessel

Mr. Trinh The Cuong, Director of Da Nang Maritime Administration, highlighted the necessity of SAR 631’s presence in Da Nang, particularly given the increasingly unpredictable and complex storm patterns. He expressed hope that the VMRCC and the Maritime Administrations would continue to work closely together to ensure effective search and rescue operations.

Mr. Vu Viet Hung, Deputy General Director delivered his speech at the ceremony

The project to build the SAR 631 vessel was approved by the Ministry of Transport in 2018 and completed in 2024. The vessel was constructed by Shipbuilding Corporation 189 Co., Ltd. and is designed to meet the operational demands of offshore missions. SAR 631 has now arrived at Da Nang Port and will be handed over to the VMRCC's Zone II for management and operation, addressing search and rescue needs in Central Vietnam.

SAR 631 docked at Da Nang port

The ceremony was conducted in a solemn atmosphere, reflecting the commitment of the maritime search and rescue forces to enhance their capacity to respond to maritime accidents and natural disasters, ultimately helping to reduce the damage caused by such incidents./.