Photo of Dai Hai Phat 17 cargo ship lossing control, tilting and sinking on Nov 20, 2020. Its 11 crew members were rescued by SAR 413 under the instruction of Captain Dinh Xuan Truong. (Photo: VNA)

On November 20, the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre was reported that Vietnamese-flagged Dai Hai Phat 17 cargo ship carrying nearly 4,300 tonnes of coal ran aground en route from the Ong Keo industrial park in southern Dong Nai province to the Duyen Hai Thermal Plant in southern Tra Vinh province.

The adverse weather conditions made the ship lose control, tilting and sinking. The 11 crew members were in distress.
After learning about the incident, the centre dispatched SAR 413 to the scene  to brave the dangers to rescue all of the sailors under the instruction of Captain Truong.

In the letter, IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim referred to Truong’s nomination by the Government of Vietnam for the 2020 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea.

“In this regard, I am pleased to inform you of the decision of the IMO Council that you should receive this Letter of Commendation in recognition of the professionalism and determination you displayed in rescuing on November 20, 2019, after several attempts, all 11 crew members and passengers of the M/V Dai Hai Phat 17, in adverse weather and navigational conditions."
“Attempting to rescue those in peril on the sea is among the noblest of human undertakings, placing oneself in danger so that others may live. Through your actions, you have upheld the finest traditions of those who ply the oceans, dating back to when men and women first took to the sea in ships. The courage and professionalism displayed by you are truly noteworthy,” he said.