On July 20, Colonel Tran Van Phuc, Director of Quang Ninh Provincial Police, arrived at the scene along with senior officers from various departments to directly coordinate the search and rescue efforts for the victims of the boat capsizing incident that occurred on July 19.

Rough seas in Ha Long Bay, with waves reaching levels 4-5, have made rescue operations more difficult. Nevertheless, multiple rescue forces including the Waterway Police and the Fire and Rescue Police, supported by local fishing vessels, have been deployed to expand the search radius.

Search operations are being carried out at full pace with 28 search points established, as teams race against time ahead of Typhoon Wipha’s expected landfall.

At the scene, Colonel Phuc instructed teams to closely coordinate and accelerate the search. He emphasized the need to mobilize all local fishing boats familiar with the area’s terrain to support the expanded search. Coastal commune and ward police units have been tasked with informing and encouraging locals to join the rescue efforts.

Simultaneously, forensic examinations and technical inspections are underway to determine the cause of the incident, with particular focus on the vessel's registration, electrical systems, and safety compliance. Authorities stated that any violations in operation or certification processes will be strictly penalized in accordance with the law.

Colonel Phuc also directed units to secure the accident site and protect the personal belongings of the victims to support investigation efforts and ensure proper return to the families.

Alongside rescue operations, authorities are working quickly to guide other vessels into safe harbors as the storm nears to avoid further tragedies.

Previously, the Vinh Xanh 58 tourist boat carrying 49 people (46 tourists and 3 crew members) capsized in Ha Long Bay while touring Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island. Ten people were rescued. Authorities have recovered 35 bodies. Four individuals remain missing and are the focus of ongoing search efforts.

The missing individuals have been identified as Hoang V. T., Hoang V. H., Hoang T. Q., and Nguyen D. K. P. (born 2019).

Bao Khanh - Hoai Anh