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Throughout the night of the 19th and into the morning of 20/7, rescue forces carried out two simultaneous tasks: salvaging the capsized vessel and expanding the search area based on wind direction and currents. (Author or source) |
The Vinh Xanh 58 capsized at 1:30 p.m. on 19/7 during a sudden storm in Ha Long bay. There were 53 people on board, including 48 passengers and 5 crew members. The incident occurred east of Dau Go cave, nearly 3 nautical miles from shore.
Upon receiving the report, nearly 300 people and over 30 vessels from the Navy, Border Guard, Coast Guard, Maritime Administration, and Police launched an overnight search. Many fishing boats were also mobilized to search the water's surface and coastal areas.
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Over 20 navy divers from the 126th Naval Special Forces Brigade were dispatched to the scene to search inside the boat. This unit has participated in previous rescue operations, including the Phong Chau bridge collapse in Phu Tho. (Author or source) |
Throughout the night of the 19th and into the morning of 20/7, rescue forces carried out two simultaneous tasks: salvaging the capsized vessel and expanding the search area based on wind direction and currents. (Author or source)
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The Prime Minister issued an official dispatch directing the search and rescue efforts immediately after the incident. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, along with a central delegation and Quang Ninh provincial leaders, went directly to the scene to oversee the rescue operations. He emphasized prioritizing the search for survivors and ensuring the safety of the rescue teams. (Author or source) |
Over 20 navy divers from the 126th Naval Special Forces Brigade were dispatched to the scene to search inside the boat. This unit has participated in previous rescue operations, including the Phong Chau bridge collapse in Phu Tho. (Author or source)
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By 9:30 p.m., rescuers had saved 10 people and recovered 31 bodies. Although the rain stopped during the night, strong winds persisted. Rescuers raced against time as west to northwest winds of level 4-5 created 1-2 meter waves, significantly impacting visibility and underwater search efforts. (Author or source) |
The Prime Minister issued an official dispatch directing the search and rescue efforts immediately after the incident. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, along with a central delegation and Quang Ninh provincial leaders, went directly to the scene to oversee the rescue operations. He emphasized prioritizing the search for survivors and ensuring the safety of the rescue teams. (Author or source)
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A large crane was used to salvage the Vinh Xanh 58. By almost 11 p.m., 34 bodies had been recovered, with 8 people still missing. Most of the victims were from Hanoi and were traveling with their families, including over 20 children. The oldest victim was 53, and the youngest was 3. (Author or source) |
By 9:30 p.m., rescuers had saved 10 people and recovered 31 bodies. Although the rain stopped during the night, strong winds persisted. Rescuers raced against time as west to northwest winds of level 4-5 created 1-2 meter waves, significantly impacting visibility and underwater search efforts. (Author or source)
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The 24-meter-long, 12-ton vessel had capsized, leaving only its bottom exposed. Salvaging the boat was considered from the outset, but due to its weight and the possibility of survivors trapped inside, rescuers prioritized searching for people first. (Author or source) |
A large crane was used to salvage the Vinh Xanh 58. By almost 11 p.m., 34 bodies had been recovered, with 8 people still missing. Most of the victims were from Hanoi and were traveling with their families, including over 20 children. The oldest victim was 53, and the youngest was 3. (Author or source)
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Around 1:30 a.m. on 20/7, the boat was righted and towed ashore. The Navy reported that three more crew members were found inside the cabin, and the captain's identity is being verified. (Author or source) |
The 24-meter-long, 12-ton vessel had capsized, leaving only its bottom exposed. Salvaging the boat was considered from the outset, but due to its weight and the possibility of survivors trapped inside, rescuers prioritized searching for people first. (Author or source)
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Meanwhile, divers continued to search inside the vessel. (Author or source) |
Around 1:30 a.m. on 20/7, the boat was righted and towed ashore. The Navy reported that three more crew members were found inside the cabin, and the captain's identity is being verified. (Author or source)
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Victims were brought onto rescue boats. According to a report from the Search and Rescue Department (Ministry of National Defense), by nearly 6 a.m., the death toll stood at 38, with 10 survivors (one less than the previous day due to a death in the hospital). Five people remain missing. (Author or source) |
Meanwhile, divers continued to search inside the vessel. (Author or source)
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After being salvaged, the boat was handed over to Quang Ninh authorities and towed ashore after 2 a.m. Navy personnel and other forces remained on site to continue the search, racing against time as Typhoon Wipha approached the Gulf of Tonkin. (Author or source) |
Victims were brought onto rescue boats. According to a report from the Search and Rescue Department (Ministry of National Defense), by nearly 6 a.m., the death toll stood at 38, with 10 survivors (one less than the previous day due to a death in the hospital). Five people remain missing. (Author or source)
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After being salvaged, the boat was handed over to Quang Ninh authorities and towed ashore after 2 a.m. Navy personnel and other forces remained on site to continue the search, racing against time as Typhoon Wipha approached the Gulf of Tonkin. (Author or source)
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As boats continued searching the waters for the missing, dozens of ambulances remained stationed at the foot of Bai Chay bridge, ready to receive victims.
From tonight, winds in the northern Gulf of Tonkin are expected to increase from level 6 to level 11, with gusts up to level 14, and waves of 2-4 meters, reaching 3-5 meters near the storm's center.
Reporting team
