Laotian Prime Minister Sonesay Siphandone, in a message to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh dated 22/7, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of life caused by Typhoon Wipha. "I have been closely following the situation of Typhoon No. 3 (Wipha) as it made landfall in the northern coastal region of Vietnam, causing serious loss of life and property to the fraternal Vietnamese people. In particular, the capsizing of the tourist boat in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh," he wrote.

Prime Minister Siphandone conveyed his "sincere condolences and deepest sympathy" to Prime Minister Chinh, other high-ranking Vietnamese leaders, as well as to the Vietnamese Communist Party, government, and people, especially the local authorities and the families of the victims. He expressed confidence that under the leadership and care of the Party and government, the Vietnamese people will overcome all difficulties and life will soon return to normal, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Lao Foreign Minister Thoongsavane Phomvihane and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi also sent their condolences to Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.

The Vinh Xanh 58 boat is towed ashore and righted in the early morning of 20/7. Photo: Navy

The Vinh Xanh 58 boat is towed ashore and righted in the early morning of 20/7. Photo: Navy

On the afternoon of 19/7, the Vinh Xanh 58 departed with 46 tourists and 3 crew members for a tour of Ha Long Bay. Captain and boat owner Doan Van Trinh took the passengers to visit various sites including Hon Cho Da, Dinh Huong, Ga Choi, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Titop Island, returning to port later that afternoon.

Approximately 35 minutes later, 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. Ten people were rescued, 37 were confirmed dead, and 2 remain missing.

Vu Hoang