VietNamNet Bridge – More than 200 members of Viet Nam’s Border Guard force, firemen, medical staff and the US fast transport ship USNS Fall River (T-EPF-4) took part in an oil spill exercise in the Han River on Saturday.

Military and rescue force collect oil spill on the Han River in a practice. — Photo: VNS

The exercise was part of a series of activities under the Pacific Partnership 2017 (PP17) with the participation of personnel from the US, UK, Australia, Japan and Viet Nam in the central city this year.

Nearly 20 speed boats and detoxification equipment and fire trucks were called to deal with the "oil spill" within three hours.

Vice chairman of the city’s People’s Committee, Ho Ky Minh, said it was a good opportunity for Da Nang to join in disaster response with partners from the US Navy and the Pacific Partnership.

Minh said the exercise could serve as valuable experience for Da Nang in dealing with natural disasters in the future.

He said the city witnessed nine oil spill incidents since 2007, and the worst tragedy was 600cu.m of oil spilled from a tanker in the sea in 2008.

Also throughout last week, PP17 started construction of storm-resistant houses in Hoa Nhon commune of Hoa Vang District, and renovation of the Hoa Lien 2 kindergarten, Hoa Hai Medical Clinic, and Hoa Nhon Community Centre. The PP17 staff also conducted workshops on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief at the city’s general hospital and military hospital. A Seventh Fleet band had several performances at the East Sea Park, and Phan Chau Trinh High School.

The annual Pacific Partnership exercise in Da Nang ends on May 18 before continuing to Khanh Hoa Province.

In 2015, Da Nang also hosted the Pacific Partnership 2015.

VNS