Boat capsizes in Ha Long Bay: forces search for survivors, 12 people rescued

On the afternoon of July 19, due to the impact of storm No. 3 (Wipha), the tourist boat Vinh Xanh 5 was suddenly hit by a storm and capsized in Ha Long Bay, causing 53 people to fall into the sea. Immediately after receiving the information, the functional forces of Quang Ninh province urgently deployed rescue and relief work.

According to information from the Quang Ninh Provincial Border Guard, the accident occurred at around 1:30 p.m. on July 19. The cruise ship Green Bay 5, numbered QN-7105, departed from Ha Long International Passenger Port (Bai Chay Ward) carrying 48 passengers and 5 crew members on tour route 2 on the bay.

While traveling to Dau Go Cave, the ship suddenly encountered a large storm due to the impact of Typhoon Wipha, causing the vehicle to capsize and sink into the sea. Many passengers fell into the water, calling for help amid the strong winds and waves.

Forces quickly arrived to carry out rescue work. (Photo: Facebook)

Immediately after receiving the news, Mr. Vu Dai Thang, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee, directly directed the rescue work; assigned Mr. Pham Duc An, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, to be present at the scene to direct the rescue work.

The Quang Ninh Provincial Border Guard Command has directed the Hon Gai Port Border Guard Station to urgently deploy forces, coordinate with units: Ha Long Bay Management Board, Traffic Police Department (Provincial Police), Provincial Military Command and Customs Sub-Department of Region 8 to approach the scene and organize rescue.

By around 3:30 p.m., the forces had rescued 10 people, including passengers and crew members (Quang Ninh Border Guard rescued 7 people, civilian boats rescued 3 people); 3 bodies were recovered. By 6 p.m., 2 more people were rescued.

Border guards brought the victim back to shore. (Photo: Facebook)

Rescue teams are still searching for the missing victims and are scanning the area around the scene of the shipwreck to make sure they don’t miss any signs. Due to the strong winds in the bay, rescue efforts are facing many difficulties.

Quang Ninh Border Guard said they have not yet been able to contact the ship owner. Authorities are working closely to verify the identities of the passengers, update accurate information on the number of missing people, and continue to be on duty amid complex weather conditions.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/lat-tau-tren-vinh-ha-long-cac-luc-luong-no-luc-tim-kiem-nguoi-tich-da-cuu-duoc-12-nguoi-214938.html