Cruise ship carrying 31 tourists sinks in Ha Long Bay

A cruise ship carrying 31 Chinese tourists visiting Ha Long Bay sank at noon on December 24 after colliding with a barge carrying rocks. Authorities responded promptly and brought the 31 tourists safely to shore.

Mr. Vu Van Dien, Vice Chairman of Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, directed rescue work /// Photo: LN

At around 12 noon today (December 24), a waterway traffic accident occurred in the Ti Top island area on Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh). According to initial information, the Hong Long tourist boat with license plate QN - 3109 collided with a rock barge with license plate HP - 3888 of Hung Vuong Shipping Joint Stock Company, which was moving in the direction of Hai Phong - Quang Ninh.

At the time of the incident, the Hong Long ship had 31 Chinese tourists, 4 crew members, and 1 tour guide on board. Upon receiving information about the incident, Mr. Nguyen Duc Long, Chairman of the Quang Ninh People's Committee and Head of the Provincial Traffic Safety Committee, directed forces to use all measures to rescue the victims.

Immediately afterwards, 10 rescue ships from the border guards, police, Ha Long Bay Management Board, Fire Prevention and Search and Rescue Department arrived at the scene, bringing 31 tourists, crew members and tour guides safely to shore, with no injuries. By 4 p.m., the authorities had salvaged the Hong Long QN - 3109 ship.

The Hong Long cruise ship departed from Tuan Chau International Cruise Port at 7:30 a.m., carrying 31 Chinese tourists to visit Ha Long Bay on route 2. The accident occurred while the passengers were returning to shore. The Hung Vuong HP - 3888 barge was carrying 1,700 tons of rock from Hai Phong to Hon Net, Cam Pha city (Quang Ninh).

Quang Ninh Provincial Police are taking statements from the two captains and crew members and collecting evidence to clarify the cause of the incident.

According to Thanh Nien