by Nguyen Hung

The men were held since September. Chinese authorities said on 9 October that they would free them. Families are increasingly concerned, convinced that China let them go without properly supplying them with what they needed to get home safe and sound.

Hanoi (AsiaNews) – The families of Vietnamese fishermen held by China are very concerned about their loved ones because they have not yet arrived home. Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that families have not yet had any news about the missing men. On 11 September, nine fishermen working on trawler No QNg 66478TS were stopped and detained by the Chinese near the Paracel Islands, an area claimed by both China and Vietnam.

On 9 October 2010, China announced it was going to release the boat and its crew, but so far, nothing has transpired about the men or their boat.

“We have tried various ways to get in touch with Mr Luu’s boat, but we receive no signals,” relatives told AsiaNews. Mr Luu is the owner of the boat.

Families believe the Chinese government let the men go on a boat that was not seaworthy.

Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry contacted the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi for assistance on the search. Vietnamese officials want Chinese authorities to ascertain whether the fishermen were given mobile phones and enough fuel for the trip home.

• vietnam
• china
• fisherman
• trawler
• detention
• seizure
• seaworthy