Quang NgaiA barge carrying rocks to build a breakwater for Ben Dinh port suddenly sank more than 5 km from Ly Son island, leaving 3 people dead and 2 missing on the morning of April 24.
According to Quang Ngai Port Authority, the ship pulling the barge carrying stone departed at 4:00 a.m. from Ky Ha port (Quang Nam). When more than 5 km from Ly Son island, the tugboat had an incident causing the barge to sink and 5 people fell into the sea. Many agencies coordinated the rescue. By 10:30, the forces found 3 bodies.
The sunken barge had a technical safety and environmental protection certificate valid until February 26, 2025. Image: Quang Ngai Port Authority
A tugboat with a capacity of 350 horsepower towing a barge with a tonnage of more than 1,300 tons, belongs to Minh Linh Company Limited. This vehicle is transporting rocks to the contractor constructing Ly Son breakwater – a 250 billion project to break waves for Ben Dinh port.
Breakwater for Ben Dinh port, where barges are expected to transport stone to serve construction. Image: Pham Linh
The sea area near Ly Son island currently has southerly winds, causing ships to experience large waves. Initially, the authorities determined that the barge carrying rocks was too heavy in high wind conditions and therefore sank.
Location of sunken barge. Graphics: Khanh Hoang
Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority is coordinating with local authorities, Ly Son Border Guard Station and mobilizing boats near the accident area to assist in the search. This unit also notified the Region II Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center for support.
Ly Son Island has an area of about 10 km2, is the frontline island district of Quang Ngai, 15 nautical miles (about 27 km) from the mainland.
Rescue ships participated in searching for victims. Image: Quang Ngai Port Authority
Pham Linh
