The Vietnam Fisheries Trade Union (VFTU) has raised its voice condemning Chinese ships’ recent attacks on Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen.

According to the trade union, Chinese ships attacked Vietnamese fishing vessels and their crew on several occasions while the ships were operating in their traditional fishing grounds.

In the early morning of July 31, fishing vessel QNg96507 TS from central Quang Ngai province with 11 crewmen aboard was attacked by groups of armed men from Chinese ships 46102, 45101 and 37102, who used AK guns and electrical bludgeons to beat the Vietnamese fishermen, smash their fishing tools and ship equipment and took away all the catch on board.

Another ship, the QNg-96462 TS, reported they were also attacked and robbed by several foreign ships, possibly of China, in Hoang Sa (Paracel) waters on July 31 morning. The ship, captained by Mai Van Cuong from An Vinh Commune on Ly Son Island, central Quang Ngai province, returned safely to Ly Son Island on August 1.

A Vietnamese fishing boat which was attacked by Chinese marine police is seen in this photo illustration. (Photo: Phap Luat TPHCM)

The trade union said the attacks threatened the lives and assets of Vietnamese fishermen and demanded an end to these wrong actions.

The union also urged Vietnamese relevant agencies to investigate into the incidents and take prompt measures to protect the lives and property of Vietnamese fishermen.

Vietnamese fishermen and trade union members were asked to unite and provide mutual support when working offshore to maintain operations and deal with the situation, avoiding escalating tensions in Vietnamese waters.

In June, a number of Vietnamese fishing boats were also attacked by Chinese ships.

On June 28, boat QNg-96093 TS from central Quang Ngai province, which had 13 people aboard and was operating in Vietnamese waters, was directly rammed by two Chinese ships, 44044 and 33101.

Chinese crew members then boarded the Vietnamese ship and used electric blackjacks to attack the fishermen, throw away their fishing tools and seize the day’s catch.

Previously, Vietnamese vessels QNg 90657 TS, QNg 90205TS and QNg 95431TS were attacked by several Chinese ships on June 10, 16 and 18, respectively, while fishing in the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago. The Chinese seized their catch, fishing equipment and fuel.

On June 9, vessel QNg 95193TS suffered similar damage to its crew and assets after being attacked by Chinese ship 4302 using water cannons./.

VNF/VNA