On the afternoon of July 20, Mr. Nguyễn Văn Công, Vice Chairman of the Quảng Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, chaired a press conference regarding the Blue Bay 58 QN-7105 boat capsizing during a squall, resulting in 35 deaths and 4 missing persons.

The press conference was also attended by Mr. Nguyễn Việt Dũng, Director of the Provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and Ms. Nguyễn Thị Kim Nhàn, Deputy Head of the Provincial Party Committee’s Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department.

Sudden squall causes boat capsizing

According to Mr. Nguyễn Văn Công, on July 19, extremely complex squalls occurred in the province and several other localities. The squall caused the Blue Bay boat to capsize in Hạ Long Bay, resulting in severe human casualties.

Upon receiving the news, provincial leaders immediately went to the scene to direct functional forces in search and rescue operations.

capsized boat - Image 2.

Mr. Cù Quốc Thắng, Deputy Director of the Quảng Ninh Provincial Police, provided additional information: after the accident, provincial police leaders went directly to the scene, mobilizing 14 boats and speedboats along with 200 officers to coordinate continuous rescue efforts.

As of now, the police have coordinated with rescue forces to save 10 people and recover 35 bodies. The authorities have handed over the 35 victims’ bodies to their families for burial arrangements.

The provincial police continue to collaborate with functional forces, urgently mobilizing resources to search for the 4 remaining missing victims.

The provincial police have also directed the Criminal Investigation Agency to urgently investigate the cause of the capsizing and handle the case in accordance with the law, with results to be announced later.

capsized boat - Image 3.
Mr. Cù Quốc Thắng, Deputy Director of the Quảng Ninh Provincial Police, providing information about the accident

Racing against time to find missing persons

At the press conference, Colonel Hoàng Văn Thuyết, Political Commissar of the Quảng Ninh Provincial Military Command, stated that the boat capsized due to a sudden strong squall. Upon receiving the news, the agency reported to the Military Zone Command to deploy rescue plans.

By the evening of July 19, 1,000 people and over 100 vehicles had been mobilized for search and rescue efforts, including more than 500 experienced fishermen familiar with local waterways to assist in locating victims and salvaging the boat.

“Currently, the command center continues to direct search efforts, making the most of the golden hours to find the missing victims. According to forecasts, Typhoon No. 3 has entered the East Sea, and if it approaches, search operations will have to be suspended.

From now until tonight, functional forces will continue actively implementing search plans, hoping to locate the remaining missing victims,” he said.

80-90% of victims wore life jackets

At the press conference, some reporters raised questions about the management of boats in Hạ Long Bay and safety standards for tourist boats operating in the province. Additionally, are tourists required to wear life jackets when boarding?

Mr. Bùi Hồng Minh, Deputy Director of the Provincial Construction Department, stated that according to regulations, tourist boats in Hạ Long Bay must meet higher safety standards than

Blue Bay tourist boat QN-7105

The *Blue Bay tourist boat QN-7105* is a sightseeing vessel operating in the scenic Blue Bay area, likely offering tours of coastal landscapes, marine life, or nearby islands. While specific historical details about this particular boat are limited, such tourist boats are commonly part of local maritime tourism, providing visitors with leisure cruises and ecological experiences. The Blue Bay region is often known for its clear waters and vibrant marine ecosystems, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Cái Lân port

Cái Lân Port is a major seaport located in Quảng Ninh Province, northern Vietnam, near the famous Ha Long Bay. Established to support coal exports from the Quảng Ninh mining region, it has grown into a key commercial hub, facilitating trade and boosting the local economy. The port plays a significant role in Vietnam’s maritime industry, connecting the country to international shipping routes.

Quảng Ninh Provincial People’s Committee

The Quảng Ninh Provincial People’s Committee is the local government body overseeing Quảng Ninh Province in northeastern Vietnam, known for its administrative role in managing regional development, economy, and infrastructure. Located in Hạ Long City, the committee operates from a striking modern building designed with a black glass facade, symbolizing the region’s coal mining heritage. Established under Vietnam’s political system, it plays a key role in implementing national policies while addressing local needs, including tourism and environmental protection in areas like Hạ Long Bay.

Hạ Long Bay

Hạ Long Bay, located in northeastern Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. The bay has a rich geological history dating back over 500 million years and is steeped in local legends, including tales of dragons creating the islands. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, offering scenic cruises, caves, and vibrant marine life.

Quảng Ninh Provincial Police

The Quảng Ninh Provincial Police is a law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public order and security in Quảng Ninh Province, Vietnam. While specific historical details about its establishment are limited, it operates under the national framework of the Vietnamese People’s Public Security, playing a key role in crime prevention, traffic management, and community safety in the region, which includes major tourist sites like Hạ Long Bay.

Quảng Ninh Provincial Military Command

The Quảng Ninh Provincial Military Command is a key military headquarters in Quảng Ninh Province, Vietnam, responsible for regional defense and security. Located near the strategically important border with China and the coastal area, it has played a significant role in Vietnam’s military history, including during the resistance wars. Today, it continues to oversee local military operations and disaster response in the region.

East Sea

The East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, is a marginal sea bordered by Japan, Korea, and Russia. It has been a vital region for trade, fishing, and cultural exchange for centuries, though its name remains a point of diplomatic dispute between Korea (which prefers “East Sea”) and Japan. Historically, it has played a significant role in regional conflicts and cooperation among neighboring nations.

Typhoon No. 3

“Typhoon No. 3” is not a specific place or cultural site but rather a designation used in East Asia (particularly Japan, Korea, and China) to identify tropical storms in a given year. The term follows a numbering system for typhoons in the order they occur annually. For historical context, notable Typhoon No. 3 events include **Typhoon Marie (1954)** in Japan, which caused significant damage and led to improved disaster preparedness measures.