Authorities race to rescue victims of tourist boat sinking in Ha Long Bay

Quang Ninh (VNA) - Rescue forces in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh are racing against time to search for victims of a tourist boat that sank in world natural heritage site Ha Long Bay on July 19.

Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Pham Duc An, along with other provincial leaders and representatives from relevant departments and agencies, have been present at the scene to directly oversee the rescue operations, with the top priority giving to ensuring the safety of all tourists and crew members.

Quang Ninh authorities have instructed rescue teams to urgently search for the missing, mobilising all available personnel and equipment to carry out overnight efforts.

As of 6:00 pm, rescue teams had saved two more individuals, bringing the total number of people rescued - both passengers and crew member - to 12. By 7:40 pm, the bodies of nine victims had been found. However, the exact number of people aboard at the time of sinking has yet to be confirmed.

The tourist boat QN-7105 capsized at 1:45 pm on July 19 while carrying visitors near Dau Go Cave in Ha Long Bay due to a sudden thunderstorm. Upon receiving the report, the provincial authorities and local fishermen in the area promptly conducted search and rescue efforts./.