A Vietnamese ship carrying 3,000 tonnes of coal sank on August 28, leaving six crew men missing.

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According to the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, the ship Phu Cuong 0148 sank at 15:40 off the coast of Bach Long Vi Island. There were six crew members on board.

At the time of the incident weather conditions were bad, with strong winds and rough waters.

The Vietnam Coastal Radio System informed regional rescue agencies as well as other ships in the area.

The Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre has been cooperating with port authorities and border soldiers Haiphong City and Quang Ninh Province in search and rescue operations. The specialised ship SAR 273 was also sent to in search the sunk vessel. Still, the bad weather continued and none of the crew have been found.

Local authorities have proposed that the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre call on more ships for the rescue effort.