Twenty-eight bodies found after tourist boat capsizes in Ha Long Bay

THE HANOI TIMES — By 8:45 PM on July 19, rescue teams in the northern province of Quang Ninh recovered 28 bodies, including eight children, and rescued 11 people following the capsizing of a tourist boat in Ha Long Bay.

In the early afternoon of July 19, the Vinh Xanh 58 tourist boat, with registration number QN-7105, was  carrying 48 passengers and five crew members in Ha Long Bay .

At around 1:30 PM, the boat encountered a sudden thunderstorm. By 2:05 PM, its GPS signal was lost, and the vessel sank shortly after.

Upon receiving the emergency report, local authorities in Quang Ninh and nearby fishermen immediately launched a search and rescue operation.

The Quang Ninh Border Guard deployed five rescue boats and 50 officers and soldiers to the site.

The province has ordered continued search efforts to find the remaining missing persons at sea, while also launching an investigation into the cause of the incident. Support is being provided to the victims' families in accordance with official procedures.

On the same day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued an urgent directive regarding search and rescue efforts.

Accordingly, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha was tasked to directly lead the search and rescue mission on the Ha Long Bay for survivors and bodies.

The prime minister also sent his condolences to families of the victims, and requested the military, the police, and local authorities of Quang Ninh Province to give their best efforts in the search and rescue mission.

Prime Minister Chinh also requested that government agencies and local authorities investigate the causes of the tragic accident, and handle violations if any. He also asked for specific measures to ensure safety and security for tourists, local people, and businesses.