Colonel Tran Van Phuc, Director of Quang Ninh Provincial Police, stated that the investigation into the cause of the Vinh Xanh 58 boat capsizing in Ha Long Bay is being accelerated as a top priority.

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Quang Ninh Police Director leads a 25-team mission including various departments and forces for sea patrol and recovery. Photo: Pham Cong.

This morning, the investigation into the Vinh Xanh 58 boat accident in Ha Long Bay continued to be fast-tracked. The overturned vessel has been towed ashore for inspection. Authorities are still actively searching the surrounding area.

Speaking to VietNamNet, Colonel Tran Van Phuc shared that he is personally overseeing the coordination of the ongoing rescue efforts and the search for missing victims. The investigation into the cause of the capsizing is being prioritized.

"By 3:40 a.m., the rescue team successfully salvaged the boat. So far, authorities have recovered 35 bodies and rescued 10 survivors," Colonel Phuc reported.

Colonel Phuc also ordered the establishment of 25 search-and-rescue units composed of specialized departments and relevant forces to conduct patrols and recovery operations at sea. Authorities have also called on local fishermen to join the search for victims.

"We have mobilized 14 boats and more than 200 officers and soldiers to participate in the search. Investigators quickly reached the scene to conduct examinations and secure the victims' belongings," he added.

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Rescue teams bring the victims' bodies ashore and transport them by ambulance to Bai Chay Hospital’s morgue for identification and handover. Photo: Thach Thao.

The victims' bodies are being transported ashore and taken by ambulance to the Bai Chay Hospital morgue, where procedures are being carried out for families to reclaim their loved ones.

Initial support from Quang Ninh province includes approximately USD 980 per deceased victim and USD 310 per injured person. The provincial chapter of the Vietnam Fatherland Front has also provided around USD 200 per deceased victim and USD 120 per injured individual. Several local businesses have additionally contributed USD 1,570 per deceased victim and USD 980 per injured person.

According to previous reports by VietNamNet, at 12:55 p.m. on July 19, the Vinh Xanh 58 boat was carrying 49 tourists along Route 2 of Ha Long Bay. By 1:30 p.m., the boat encountered strong winds and capsized unexpectedly. At 2:05 p.m., the boat lost its GPS signal.

As of 7:00 a.m. on July 20, authorities had found 45 people including passengers and crew members involved in the accident. Of these, 10 survived and 35 were confirmed dead.

By 8:00 a.m. today, 30 victims' bodies had been identified and officially released to their families for transportation and burial in their hometowns. The province provided financial and transportation support to assist the families. Four people remain missing.

The Vinh Xanh 58 vessel was issued an inland waterway vehicle registration certificate on May 21, 2015, by the former Quang Ninh Department of Transport. The vessel’s registration number is QN-7105, and it was licensed to carry 48 passengers.

Its most recent inspection was on January 10, 2025, at the Inland Waterway Inspection Station of the Quang Ninh Department of Transport. The inspection is valid until February 4, 2026, indicating that the vessel was still within its valid inspection period at the time of the incident.

The boat had also purchased civil liability insurance on April 8, 2025, effective from 7:00 a.m. on April 14, 2025, until 6:59 a.m. on April 14, 2026. The insurance did not cover cargo or crew accidents.

Bao Khanh - Hoai Anh