Rescue of Fisherman in Critical Condition After 28 Hours Adrift in the Paracel Islands

At 07:00 on March 4, 2024, while working in the fishing grounds of the Paracel Islands, fisherman Hoàng Minh Nhơn, crew of fishing boat QNa 94916 TS, went missing after his basketboat capsized.

After extensive search efforts, at 11:00 on March 5, 2024, the crew of QNa 94916 TS found Nhơn in a weakened state after drifting for 28 hours in cold weather. He was promptly brought on board for care.

By the morning of March 6, 2024, Nhơn's condition deteriorated, exhibiting symptoms of difficulty breathing, chest pain, and unconsciousness. Recognizing the critical situation, Captain Trần Đình Lên of QNa 94916 TS contacted the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center to report the situation and request assistance. At this time, the vessel was approximately 117 nautical miles southeast of Bom Bay Island.

Upon receiving the information, the Center guided the vessel on the shortest route to shore and coordinated with the Da Nang Emergency Center 115 to provide remote medical advice and instructions for first aid to the victim.

Medical diagnosis indicated that the victim was suffering from severe respiratory failure, hypothermia, and trauma from impact, with possible internal injuries. His condition was critical—unconscious and in a coma due to respiratory failure, unable to eat or drink, and at risk of death without timely specialized medical intervention.

In response to the urgent situation, at 12:40 on the same day, the SAR 412 vessel was dispatched to the scene with a team that included two doctors and equipment from the Da Nang Emergency Center 115 to rescue the crew member of QNa 94916 TS.

At 01:18 on March 7, 2024, the maritime rescue team and medical personnel reached QNa 94916 TS, quickly initiating an emergency medical procedure on-site before transferring the victim to SAR 412 for specialized medical care and swift transport back to shore.

By 13:48 on the same day, the victim Hoang Minh Nhon was safely brought back to Da Nang and handed over to the authorities. Da Nang Emergency Centre 115  continued to transfer the victim to a local hospital for further treatment.

The maritime rescue forces and the medical team reached the QNa 94916 TS vessel

The injured fisherman was transferred to the SAR 412 vessel

The victim received medical care on board SAR 412

Distressed fisherman Hoang Minh Nhon was safely brought back to Da Nang and handed over to the authorities