Boat capsizes, 2 killed

BẠC LIÊU — Two people died when a boat carrying tens of attendants of the Nghing Ông Festival capsized in Bạc Liêu Province on Thursday morning, the Việt Nam News Agency reported.

They are Lê Ngọc Hân from Gánh Hào town and Trần Tú Trân from Đông Hải District, both were 17 years old. 

By 2pm of the same day, 39 people were rescued from the sea, 17 of them were hospitalised for emergency treatment. 

The boat capsized shortly after it departed from the Gành Hào estuary.

The accident spot is some 2km from the estuary.

Some managed to swim back to the shore when the boat capsized, locals said. Several are still missing.

Initial investigation revealed that the boat belonged to fishermen. It capsized due to big waves and winds and because it was overloaded, said Ngô Thành Thật, deputy director of the Bạc Liêu police.

Rescue activities are being expanded for the missing victims, he said.

The Nghing Ông Festival was held on April 4-6 this year at the Ông Nam Hải Shrine in Bạc Liêu Province’s Đông Hải District. It is a traditional festival of the coastal province’s fishing community, who prays for a safe and prosperous fishing season. — VNS