30 tourists and 4 crew members on a tourist boat quickly put on life jackets and jumped into the sea before the boat sank. They were promptly rescued by large-capacity fishing boats.

On the afternoon of July 19, a group of 30 tourists, including one child, boarded the boat owned by Nguyen Trong Hoang to sail to the Thien Cam sea area (Ha Tinh), about 0.5 nautical miles from shore, for squid fishing. In addition to the tourists, there were 4 crew members on board.

Around 7:20 PM, the Thien Cam sea area was suddenly hit by heavy rain and strong winds. Several fishing and tourist boats operating nearby were unable to reach shelter in time.

At 8:00 PM the same day, frightened by the strong winds and high waves, some passengers on the tourist boat called for emergency assistance from shore.

Upon receiving the distress signal, the Thien Cam Border Guard Station (Ha Tinh Border Guard) urgently mobilized rescue efforts.

Major Nguyen Van Khoi, head of the Thien Cam Border Guard Station, stated that when the unit received the distress call, the winds were extremely strong, making it impossible for any boats to approach.

Moreover, the large-capacity fishing boats were all far from the tourist boat at the time.

How 34 people on the sinking tourist boat at Thien Cam sea were rescued - Image 3.

The Thien Cam Border Guard Station quickly coordinated with local authorities to mobilize all available resources to reach the tourist boat as soon as possible.

“Not only was the tourist boat sending distress signals, but another fishing boat had also sunk in the area. We deployed all available forces, alerting nearby large-capacity fishing boats to assist while also searching for the sunken fishing boat,” Major Khoi said.

Around 9:30 PM, the tourist boat began taking on water and showed signs of sinking, prompting all 34 passengers and crew to jump into the sea wearing life jackets while awaiting rescue.

After about 30 minutes, the boat fully sank. Large-capacity fishing boats arrived in time and successfully rescued all 34 individuals.

According to Major Khoi, when the victims were brought aboard the fishing boats, the sea was still rough, forcing the rescue boats to move to the nearby Boc Island area for shelter.

By around 12:30 AM on July 20, all survivors were safely brought ashore.

“When they reached shore, some passengers showed signs of hypothermia, and a few were in shock. Authorities quickly checked their condition and allowed them to return home to rest once they stabilized,” Major Khoi added.

In a separate incident, a fishing boat sank in Quang Tri waters, but all 7 fishermen on board were rescued by a nearby local fishing boat.

Thien Cam sea area

Thien Cam Beach is a scenic coastal area located in Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and tranquil atmosphere. Historically, it was a favored retreat for Vietnamese royalty and elites during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945). Today, it is a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation, water activities, and exploration of nearby cultural sites like Ke Go Lake and Hong Linh Mountain.

Thien Cam Border Guard Station

Thien Cam Border Guard Station is a military outpost located in Vietnam, near the country’s northern border. It plays a key role in safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining security in the region. While specific historical details are limited, such stations are vital in Vietnam’s long-standing efforts to monitor and protect its borders.

Ha Tinh Border Guard

The Hà Tĩnh Border Guard is a military force responsible for protecting the sovereignty and security of Vietnam’s borders in Hà Tĩnh Province, a coastal region in north-central Vietnam. Historically, border guards in this area have played a crucial role in defending against invasions and maintaining territorial integrity, particularly during conflicts such as the Vietnam War. Today, they continue to oversee border control, anti-smuggling operations, and disaster response in the region.

Boc Island

Boc Island, also known as Bocas del Toro, is a picturesque island in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago off the coast of Panama. It is renowned for its vibrant biodiversity, stunning beaches, and rich Afro-Caribbean culture, influenced by descendants of Jamaican and other West Indian workers who arrived in the 19th century to work on banana plantations. Today, it is a popular ecotourism destination, offering activities like snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and exploring its historic towns.

Quang Tri waters

Quang Tri waters, located off the central coast of Vietnam, are historically significant as the site of intense naval battles during the Vietnam War, particularly during the 1972 Easter Offensive. The area is also known for its ancient Cham civilization ties and today serves as an important fishing and maritime zone. Its coastal and riverine landscapes hold both cultural heritage and wartime memorials, attracting history enthusiasts and tourists.