HCMC – A comprehensive safety overhaul of all tourism activities in Halong Bay – a UNESCO-recognized World Natural Heritage site in the northern province of Quang Ninh, focusing on waterway services, must be reported to the prime minister by March 10.
This follows a recent directive from Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, issued via Document No. 1760/VPCP-KGVX, in response to a tourist vessel fire in the bay last week. He ordered the province to mobilize all necessary resources to address the aftermath, ensuring absolute safety, medical care and psychological support for all affected passengers.
Beyond the immediate response, authorities are conducting a rigorous technical audit of the entire regional tourist fleet, with a clear mandate to suspend any vessels that fail to meet stringent fire safety and waterway navigation standards. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is leading a broad evaluation of safety protocols across the industry to heighten risk prevention and corporate responsibility.
This tightened oversight comes after the wooden-hulled Signature QN-7269 caught fire in the bay with 41 people on board, with 28 of them coming from the U.S., Europe and Asia. Although the captain and crew successfully evacuated everyone without injury, the incident has prompted a swift government reaction to safeguard the reputation of Vietnam’s World Heritage site.
Local officials are currently working with foreign embassies to expedite passport replacements and travel documents for those who lost belongings, while the vessel’s operator has pledged immediate financial aid and medical coverage. Despite the intensive inspections, the Halong Bay Management Board confirmed that sightseeing and overnight cruise services remain fully operational for visitors.
