On the afternoon of November 11, authorities from Lam Dong reported that 5 fishing vessels were wrecked along the coast of Vietnam in the South China Sea. Reports state the vessels encountered large waves and strong winds. The fishing vessel BTh 81652 TS sunk while at anchor. The fishing vessel BTh 80347 TS broke free of its anchor and was blown ashore where its hull broke up. The fishing vessel BTh 80316 TS foundered in the waves while the fishing vessel BTh 82176 TS sank while trying to reach safety of the fishing port. Two additional vessels were reported sunk while at anchor off Ba Dang. Authorities assisted with machinery to pull one of the fishing vessels ashore. No reports of injuries.
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).
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.
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.
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.
