Hoping to find them before tonight

By noon on July 20, authorities had deployed ships to position No. 3, about 3 nautical miles northeast of the capsized Blue Bay QN7105 ship, and organized drones to sweep across three fan-shaped sectors.

Each drone flew three rounds per sector, covering approximately 60 degrees each, following wind and tidal currents moving southeast to northwest, with a search radius of about 4km from the ship.

Over 1,000 personnel and more than 100 vehicles have been mobilized for search and rescue operations, including more than 500 experienced fishermen familiar with local waterways to assist in locating victims and salvaging the wreck.

As of 4 p.m., Tropical Storm No. 3 was about 500km east of Mong Cai (Quang Ninh).

Maximum wind speeds near the storm’s center reached level 12 (118-133 km/h), with gusts up to level 15.

The storm is moving westward at 20-25 km/h, heading toward the Gulf of Tonkin.

“The command center continues to direct search efforts, making the most of the critical hours to locate the missing victims.

According to forecasts, Tropical Storm No. 3 has entered the East Sea. If it approaches, search operations will have to be suspended.

By tonight, authorities will continue actively deploying all possible measures, hoping to find the remaining missing victims.”

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Meanwhile, units have been instructed to closely monitor weather developments and implement preparedness plans for Tropical Storm No. 3.

Authorities continue to account for all vessels and report as required. A total of 250 personnel and 22 vehicles—including 3 ships, 12 boats, and 5 trucks—remain on standby for storm response.

In the border sea area, there are 7,464 vessels with 14,928 fishermen, along with 2,530 aquaculture rafts with 1,465 local workers.

Specifically, 2,513 vessels with 5,026 fishermen are operating in coastal waters, while 4,951 vessels with 9,902 fishermen are docked.

All vessels and fishermen have been notified, with none remaining uninformed or operating in hazardous zones.

In preparation for Tropical Storm No. 3 (Wipha), Thanh Hoa province is ready to evacuate 170,000 people. Quang Ninh province has imposed a sea ban starting at 11 a.m. today.

Ha Long Bay

Ha 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 boat tours, caves, and vibrant floating villages.

Hon Gai port

Hon Gai Port is a major seaport located in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, near the famous Ha Long Bay. Historically, it served as a key hub for coal exports, as the region is rich in anthracite coal. Today, it remains an important economic and transportation center, supporting trade and tourism in northern Vietnam.

Blue Bay QN7105 ship

The *Blue Bay QN7105* is a decommissioned ship that has been repurposed as a cultural and recreational site, often featured in maritime-themed attractions or resorts. While specific historical details about its original use are limited, it is now part of the Blue Bay area, possibly serving as a museum, hotel, or event venue. Its transformation highlights the trend of preserving old vessels for tourism and education.

Mong Cai

Mong Cai is a bustling border city in northeastern Vietnam, adjacent to Dongxing, China, and serves as a major trade hub between the two countries. Historically, it was a significant trading post along ancient routes and has been influenced by both Vietnamese and Chinese cultures. Today, Mong Cai is known for its vibrant markets, cross-border commerce, and cultural diversity.

Gulf of Tonkin

The Gulf of Tonkin is a body of water in the northwestern South China Sea, bordered by northern Vietnam and China’s Hainan Island. It gained historical significance during the Vietnam War after the 1964 *Gulf of Tonkin Incident*, where alleged attacks on U.S. ships led to greater American military involvement. The region is also known for its rich marine biodiversity and Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its limestone karsts.

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 contention between Korea and Japan. Historically, it played a key role in maritime routes and conflicts in East Asia.

Thanh Hoa province

Thanh Hoa province, located in north-central Vietnam, is a region rich in history and culture, known as the birthplace of the Later Le Dynasty (1428–1789). It is home to significant historical sites, including the Ho Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Lam Kinh historical complex. The province also boasts scenic landscapes, such as Sam Son Beach and Ben En National Park, blending natural beauty with deep cultural heritage.

Quang Ninh province

Quang Ninh Province, located in northeastern Vietnam, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, most notably **Halong Bay**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone karsts. The province has a rich history tied to maritime trade, ancient Vietnamese dynasties, and French colonial influence, with landmarks like **Yen Tu Mountain** serving as a spiritual center for Buddhism since the 13th century. Today, Quang Ninh is a major tourist destination, blending cultural heritage with coastal beauty.