Emergency deployed 24/7 in Ha Long Bay

THE HANOI TIMES — The Quang Ninh Provincial Military Command has deployed military medical ships and patrol boats to operate around the clock in Ha Long Bay starting August 6, enhancing security for visitors touring and staying overnight in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The patrol vessels will actively monitor tourist routes from 7 AM to 6 PM daily, with a fixed medical ship stationed near Titov Island. From 6 PM to 7 AM the next day, the boats will return to Tuan Chau Island to maintain round-the-clock standby operations.

Colonel Vu Ngoc Son, Deputy Commander of the Provincial Military Command, said each on-duty team consists of six to eight personnel.

Meanwhile, the medical ship is equipped with stretchers, oxygen tanks, and fire extinguishers, ready to respond to emergencies and support search and rescue operations on the bay.

In parallel, provincial authorities have also stepped up inspections of safety conditions at local ports. Several task forces now conduct coordinated patrols along the bay’s shipping routes, working in close coordination with the port authority.

Previously, on July 31, Quang Ninh authorities approved the installation of storm, lightning, and tornado warning systems at key locations across Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.

Provincial agencies were also assigned to study a 24/7 vessel positioning system to enable real-time tracking and emergency communication. All tourist boats are now required to provide safety instructions before departure, or face operational suspension.

The province ordered a full review of onboard rescue equipment and required safe natural shelters in the bay to be publicly identified by August 15.

Any unit failing to meet emergency readiness standards will face legal consequences.

The recent wave of action follows a tragic incident in July, when a tourist boat carrying 49 people capsized in Ha Long Bay, with only 10 survivors.