Typhoon Kalmaegi

Typhoon Kalmaegi
Photo: vnexpress.net

On November 6, Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall in Dak Lak province, Vietnam. The typhoon had sustained winds of 92 miles per hour along with heavy rains and waves reaching up to 25 feet. The result was hundred of vessels, mostly smaller coastal fishing boats, were driven ashore or sunk along the coast. Authorities have not disclosed to the total extent of  injuries, damage and pollution released, but there are some details reported from areas impacted by the storm.

Near Vung Chao, there were at least 200 vessels severely damaged either ashore or sunk. Local fishermen report that many vessels were damaged beyond salvage. Many were recovering fishing nets, engines and other equipment. Those fishing vessels only slightly damaged will be hoisted using cranes from the shoreline with the typical repair cost 20 to 30 million dong (VND).

Typhoon Kalmaegi
Photo: vnexpress.net

In the port of De Gi, there were reports of at least 10 fishing vessels sunk or aground from the storm. Reports state that some vessels were torn away from their anchorage by a large wave and driven up on the rocks.

Typhoon Kalmaegi
Photo: vnexpress.net

In Quang Ngai province, a passenger vessel was driven ashore.  The vessel was severely damaged as it was driven up onto a seawall.

Three Capsize on La Gi Estuary

BTh 85885 TS
Photo: plo.vn

On the morning of November 8, three fishing vessels BTh 81196 TS, BTh 85885 TS, and BTh 86131 TS capsized and sunk on the Song Dinh River in the La Gi estuary in Lâm Đồng province, Vietnam.  All three fishing vessels were caught in strong currents caused by the confluence of the Song Dinh River and large swells from the South China Sea. The BTh 81196 TS capsized and completely sunk. The other fishing vessels were partially sunk resting on their starboard hull.  Reports sate the initial damage has been estimated into the hundred of millions of dong (~4,000 USD). There were no reports of any injuries.

News accounts have stated the La Gi estuary has been known to be dangerous for several years. The Song Dinh has deposited large amount of sand making the navigation difficult. The silting was a known issue and the area required regular dredging.

Two Capsized Off Taiwan

Yu Shan No.36 and Lih Fa No.168 capsized off Taiwan
Photo: Taiwanese Coast Guard

Between the night of November 5 and the early morning of November 6, 2 fishing vessels capsized in the East China Sea. The Taiwan Coast Guard reports that the 26 meter long fishing vessel Yu Shan No.36 (MMSI: 416003222) had capsized 14 miles off Cape Fugui, Taiwan on the night of November 5. Six of the 9 crew on board the Yu Shan No.36 would be rescued by nearby fishing vessels.  The remaining 3 crew were reported missing.  A search and rescue operation would later find 2 of the 3 crew with one discovered tangled in the fishing vessel’s nets and the other clinging to the overturn cabin of the vessel.  Authorities state that 1 crew member remains unaccounted.

The Taiwanese Coast Guard also reported the capsizing of the 16 meter long fishing vessel Lih Fa No.168 (MMSI: 41600080) some 35 nautical miles off Keelung Harbor, Taiwan. Three of the 6 crew on board the Lih Fa No.168 were rescued by nearby fishing vessels. The other 3 crew members were reported as missing. Authorities state a joint sea and air search and rescue operation was launched to find the missing crew.

Lih Fa No.168
Lih Fa No.168
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