Attack on Vietnamese fishing boat in the Paracel Islands leaves several injured

On September 29, an attack on a Vietnamese fishing boat, QNg 95739 TS, occurred while it was fishing in the Paracel Islands (known as Hoang Sa in Vietnam), a territory claimed by both Vietnam and China. Reports from the Binh Hai Border Guard Station in Quang Ngai province indicate that this incident resulted in severe injuries, with three fishermen suffering broken limbs and seven others injured.

The vessel is owned by Nguyen Thi Dung and captained by Nguyen Thanh Bien, both hailing from Chau Thuan Bien village in Binh Chau commune. The crew of ten was engaged in fishing activities when the attack took place, necessitating immediate medical attention for the injured.

As of the latest news, the boat has contacted the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (Vietnam MRCC) for assistance. It is currently making its way towards the shore in a west-southwest direction and is expected to arrive on October 1, with rescue operations underway to ensure the safety of the crew.

The Binh Hai Border Guard Station has promptly informed the Quang Ngai Border Guard Command and is coordinating with Vietnam MRCC to provide timely aid. An investigation into the attack on the Vietnamese fishing boat will commence once the vessel returns to port.

This incident underscores a troubling trend in the Paracel Islands, where Vietnamese fishing boats often face harassment from foreign forces. While local media typically do not name the aggressors, it is widely understood that these actions involve the Chinese Coast Guard or affiliated militia. Such confrontations can escalate dangerously, sometimes resulting in the ramming and sinking of Vietnamese vessels, further exacerbating tensions in the contested waters.