HCMC – Vietnamese authorities have recovered 34 bodies and rescued 11 survivors after a tourist boat overturned in Halong Bay today, July 19.
As of 10:30 p.m. local time, rescuers in Quang Ninh Province said 34 bodies had been recovered and 11 people had been rescued, while eight others remained missing.
The Vinh Xanh 58 tourist boat, with registration number QN-7105, departed from Halong International Cruise Port with 48 tourists and five crewmembers aboard. These Vietnamese tourists comprised 41 adults and seven children, according to Quang Ninh police.
The vessel capsized between Ga Choi and Co Don islets while returning to port during a sudden squall.
Upon notification of the accident, provincial police mobilized fire and rescue teams, waterway traffic police, and border guards. The Hon Gai Border Guard Station and other units promptly responded to carry out rescue work.
By 5:45 p.m., rescuers had saved 10 people, including both passengers and crew. Seven were rescued by the provincial border guard and three by civilian boats. Seven bodies were recovered in the early stage of the operation. Two additional survivors were found by 6:00 p.m.
On the same day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued an urgent directive following the capsizing of the Vinh Xanh 58 tourist boat in Quang Ninh Province. The directive instructed the Ministry of National Defense to lead the search and rescue operation in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security and other relevant ministries and local authorities.
The PM called for the immediate mobilization of all available personnel and equipment in the area to ensure a fast and effective response. He also requested timely support for the victims’ families and a full investigation into the cause of the incident.
Government agencies were ordered to review maritime safety protocols, identify violations if any, and promptly address weaknesses to prevent future accidents.
The Quang Ninh People’s Committee was assigned to coordinate closely with the military and police to support rescue efforts, assist the affected families, and instruct fishing vessels in the vicinity to join the search under the direction of the National Civil Defense Steering Committee.
