A fisherman lifeboat tries to reach the crew on board Vietship 01. (Photo: Ho Cau / VNA)

In his telegram sent to the People's Committee of Quang Tri province and related ministries, the Prime Minister praised the rescuers for braving danger to ensure the safety of people in distress at sea.

Cargo vessel Vietship 01 of a Hanoi-based logistics firm was swept away Thursday as it was docking at the Cua Viet Port, VNExpress reported. The ship had 12 male crew members on board when it was swept away. The heavy rains, strong winds and rough seas made it difficult for rescue efforts and the vessel sank to the bottom in shallow waters, leaving the crew stranded at sea. Four crew members who had fallen off made it safely to the shore on Friday and Saturday. The final act of the rescue operations took place Sunday after provincial authorities enlisted military help including helicopters. Seven crew members and a fisherman were rescued.