Boat owners report an 80% drop in tourists, while travel agencies scramble to reschedule trips as people avoid Ha Long Bay following the Vinh Xanh incident.
A memorial service was held on the morning of 28/7 at Ha Long international passenger port for the 39 victims of the Vinh Xanh boat capsizing. The service was organized by Quang Ninh province in coordination with the Executive Board of the Buddhist Sangha of Quang Ninh province.
Dinh Duc Hiep, one of 10 survivors of the Vinh Xanh boat capsizing, has been awarded the "Brave Youth" badge by the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union for rescuing four people.
Tourists express outrage over fireworks displays during search for victims, while others urge understanding after companies apologize and pledge corrective action.
Several hotels and restaurants in Ha Long have temporarily suspended normal operations to provide free accommodation and meals to the families of the victims of the recent boat accident, while search and rescue efforts continue.
