The boat and nine fishermen onboard were captured by China on September 11, 2010, and released, as the Chinese side reported, on October 11. However, there have been no communications with the boat and its crew since then.

“The Party and State are closely following this incident” and, “in the meantime, the most important duty is to concentrate on searching and rescuing the fishermen,” Khiem said.

He instructed ministries, responsible branches and localities to mobilize all forces, including the navy, the border guard, maritime police, search and rescue forces and civil boats, in the search for the missing boat and its crew.

The Deputy PM also said the Foreign Ministry should request China to cooperate in the search and create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese side’s search and rescue operation.

He urged the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the People’s Committee of the central province of Quang Ngai to provide assistance to the families of the fishermen.

Coupled with the measures undertaken by the Foreign Ministry on recent days, Vietnamese authorised agencies and localities have actively searched for the vessel.

On October 14, the Vietnam National Committee for Search and Rescue requested Border Guard Command inform its forces stationed in coastal cities and provinces as well as Vietnamese fishermen currently operating in the East Sea to cooperate in the search.

VNA