Of the 49 people aboard the Vinh Xanh 58, which capsized near Dau Go cave in Ha Long Bay at 1:30 PM on 19/7, 10 have been rescued, 36 bodies recovered, and 3 remain missing.

The Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee (UBND) reported mobilizing nearly 350 people and almost 50 vessels from the Provincial Military Command, Provincial Police, Region 1 Naval Command, and Region 1 Coast Guard Command for the search. The search area has expanded to a 9 km radius from the capsizing location.

Authorities approach the Vinh Xanh to search for victims on the night of 19/7. Photo: Xuan Hoa

Authorities approach the Vinh Xanh to search for victims on the night of 19/7. Photo: Xuan Hoa

At 12:55 PM on 19/7, the Vinh Xanh 58 departed with 46 tourists and 3 crew members for a tour of Ha Long Bay's route 2. Captain Doan Van Trinh, also the boat owner, took the passengers to Cho Da islet, Dinh Huong peak, Ga Choi islet, Sung Sot cave, Luon cave, and Ti Top island, with a scheduled return to the port that evening.

However, at 1:30 PM, while east of Dau Go cave, a sudden storm with thunder, lightning, and hail caused the Vinh Xanh 58 to capsize, throwing all passengers and crew into the sea.

Le Tan