Citizen Protection Conducted After 2 Vietnamese Missing at Sea in Japan

The Vietnamese Embassy and the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Japan are actively working to protect the rights and safety of two missing Vietnamese workers who disappeared while fishing off the coast of Ibaraki Prefecture on October 12.

Collaborative Efforts for Citizen Protection

Nguyen Hong Son, president of the union, has been leading efforts to gather information and coordinate actions with local Japanese authorities and employers. On October 15, Son met with representatives of Sakamoto Zaimoku Konpo Co., Ltd., where the workers were employed, and officials from the Hikari Kyodo Kumiai union to discuss the case and ongoing rescue efforts. The Vietnamese embassy has also been fully engaged in supporting the search and protection of the missing workers. Phan Tien Hoang, First Secretary and head of the Labor Management Office at the embassy, and Vu Tien Han, head of the consular section, have held multiple discussions with Kamisu city police to expedite information gathering and to ensure the search continues at full capacity.

The Incident: Vietnamese Workers Swept Out to Sea

According to information obtained from Japanese investigators, three Vietnamese men left their dormitory in Kasumigaura city on the evening of October 12 to go fishing at a coastal embankment in Kamisu city, roughly 60 kilometers away. Along the way, they encountered three other Vietnamese workers from Ryugasaki city. Tragedy struck as large waves knocked four of the men into the sea while they fished near the embankment. Rescue teams responded promptly and were able to save two of the workers, who were found with signs of hypothermia but were conscious and stable. Despite this successful rescue, two other workers remain missing, and efforts to locate them are ongoing.

Search and Rescue Operations Continue

The Kamisu city police have confirmed that search operations will continue for at least one week, with the involvement of multiple rescue teams. Two helicopters, a local coast guard vessel, and dozens of rescue personnel have been deployed to the scene in the hopes of recovering the missing workers. The rescue teams are facing challenging weather and sea conditions, but authorities remain determined to continue their efforts. Vietnamese authorities have stressed the importance of working closely with Japanese officials to support the missing workers’ families and ensure that all possible measures are taken to locate the missing individuals.

The incident has sparked concern among the Vietnamese community in Japan, especially given the growing number of Vietnamese workers who move to Japan for employment. The embassy has reiterated its commitment to the safety and protection of its citizens abroad and is actively supporting the families of the missing workers during this difficult time. As the search continues, the Vietnamese Embassy and the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Japan will maintain close coordination with Japanese authorities to provide support and updates to the workers’ families. All parties involved remain hopeful for the successful recovery of the missing individuals.