The sailors were on a ship carrying cement, named Giang Hải, which was en route from Indonesia to the Philippines when the ship had been attacked by pirates. One of the 17 crew members was shot dead and thrown into the sea. 6 sailors were taken hostage. The remaining 10 had been lucky to evade kidnapping and were rescued shortly thereafter.
Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs say that the body of the remaining sailor is still in Manila, and is undergoing procedures to be taken back to Hanoi.