DTiNews has just given VND100 million (USD4,700), which was donated by readers, to ten fishermen from a boat based in Danang which was sunken by Chinese ships on May 26.

The deputy editor-in-chief of DTiNews, Nguyen Luong Phan, presented the VND10 million donation to each one of the fishermen on May 30.

 DTiNews' deputy editor-in-chief, Nguyen Luong Phan (third from left) gave VND100 million donation to fishermen on May 30.

The captain of the ship, Dang Van Nhan, said the incident occurred around 4pm, when crew members were taking their break. They saw a Chinese ship approaching. The vessel rammed the Vietnamese ship, attempted to do the same to another nearby Vietnamese boat, but missed. "Then the Chinese ship crashed directly into the middle of ours," he said. "We got directly rammed the second time and some of the crew members managed to jump overboard. Our boat capsized and we were rescued by another fishing vessel."

According to Nhan, the crew anticipated the strike and remained relatively calm, dealing with the situation as best they could. They were also aware that there was aid nearby, from other Vietnamese fishing boats in the group. Nhan said that the violent attempt was not only dangerous to property, but also could have caused injury or fatalities. "When we were struggling in the ocean, the Chinese crew just watched."

Mr. Nguyen Luong Phan granting donation to fishermen

The deputy editor of DTiNews, Nguyen Luong Phan, said, "We hope that this donation will help you quickly overcome your difficulties and build a better boat to continue your fishing activities."

The boat's owner, Huynh Thi Nhu Hoa, sent her gratitude to all the kind readers, saying that this it was a huge encouragement to the fishermen.

A representative of Danang Fisheries Society Tran Van Linh said, "This is the second time DTiNews has donated to the fishermen of Danang. This is a great programme and it means a lot to fishermen. No matter what, we will continue their fishing expeditions and to protect our country's integrity. We'll make sure that the money donated is spent on helping Hoa build another boat."

As of May 27, DTiNews readers donated over VND2.1 billion to fishermen amid tension with China over East Sea.