Australian tourist dies in Hạ Long Bay

HẠ LONG — A 53-year-old Australian tourist was found dead in the waters of Hạ Long Bay in northern Quảng Ninh Province on Monday.

It is unclear whether he accidentally fell or jumped in.

Stephen John Scott’s body was found by the rescue force and fishermen a few hours after he was reported missing from the deck of cruise ship Biển Ngọc 20 in the morning.

The incident took place while the cruiser was anchored near Sửng Sốt Cave, a famous tourist destination in the bay, and waiting for a group of foreign tourists who had gone to visit the cave. Scott, head of the tourist group, and another member had chosen to stay behind in the cruiser.

Around 8.45am, the cruiser staff heard a strange noise but they could not find Scott and reported the incident to concerned authorities.

Scott’s body has been brought to the shore. Authorities are now completing necessary formalities to return his body to his family. They are also investigating the cause of the incident.

Cruise Biển Ngọc 20 (code QN-6758) belongs to Hạ Long Biển Ngọc company. Its capacity is 44 seats and 22 beds. It had left the port at noon on Sunday with 16 tourists, one tourist guide and eight crew members on board. — VNS