«Thirty breathless minutes rescuing people trapped on overturned Green Bay 58 ship»
On the afternoon of July 19, Mrs. Phạm Thị Bình (55 years old, residing in Hà Lầm ward, Quảng Ninh) and her relatives boarded the Blue Bay 58 QN-7105 boat for a tour of Hạ Long Bay. When the boat was about 4km from the dock, near Đầu Gỗ Cave, a sudden storm struck.
The bright sky turned dark, and strong winds battered the boat, tilting it with each wave. The boat swayed violently before capsizing within seconds.
Sitting in the lower cabin, Mrs. Bình saw people panicking and screaming for help. A large shard of glass shattered and slashed her thigh.
Before she could recover, the boat tilted and capsized, submerging all passengers and crew.
Despite her leg injury, Mrs. Bình managed to escape, clinging to the boat’s side before climbing onto the overturned hull. She and two others held onto the rudder.
After over two hours in rough seas, heavy rain, and strong winds, hope arrived as rescue boats approached.
Trapped victims were panicked and exhausted
At 3:13 PM on July 19, Lieutenant Colonel Phan Văn Quân (head of Hòn Gai Border Station’s procedures team) received a call from Mr. Bùi Quang Tuấn (operations manager of Hạ Long International Passenger Port) reporting lost contact with Blue Bay 58.
After assessing the situation, the station commander immediately tasked Lieutenant Colonel Lê Thế Dũng (deputy commander) with organizing rescue efforts.
Within 10 seconds, rapid footsteps echoed through the station as a team prepared life jackets and rescue equipment to head to the scene.
Simultaneously, another border patrol team on the bay was dispatched to assist.
Border guards from Hòn Gai Port Border Station brought victims of the capsized boat ashore for emergency treatment on the afternoon of July 19.Lieutenant Colonel Lê Thế Dũng (pointing while on the phone) and rescue teams approached the overturned boat to save trapped victims on the evening of July 19.
«Every second counted, so we moved as fast as possible,» Lieutenant Colonel Dũng said about the urgency of the mission.
After 15 minutes battling heavy rain and winds, the rescue boat reached the capsized vessel. Three people clung to the rudder on the exposed hull.
«The first boat rescued four victims near the boat. Three others were on the stern, waving for help—one woman was exhausted, and another had a severe leg wound from glass,» Dũng recalled.
Rescuers secured the boat and brought the three survivors aboard.
Captain Bùi Việt Anh (holding the boat’s edge) and his team rushed to bring survivors ashore for treatment.
Captain Bùi Việt Anh (head of Hòn Gai Port
Blue Bay 58 boat
The *Blue Bay 58* is a modern luxury yacht designed for high-end cruising, often used for private charters, events, or leisure trips in scenic coastal areas like the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. While specific historical details about this model are limited, it represents the growing trend of customizable, eco-friendly boats with advanced amenities for elite travelers. Its name may reference the famous Blue Bay coastal regions, known for their stunning turquoise waters.
Hòn Gai Port Border Station
Hòn Gai Port Border Station is a key border control and customs checkpoint located in Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province, Vietnam. It serves as an important gateway for maritime trade and travel between Vietnam and neighboring countries, particularly China. Historically, the port has played a role in regional commerce and security, reflecting Quảng Ninh’s strategic coastal position.
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 descending to create its islands. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, offering scenic cruises, caves, and vibrant marine life.
Đầu Gỗ Cave
Đầu Gỗ Cave, located in Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam, is a stunning limestone cave renowned for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Historically, it is believed to have been used by local fishermen as a shelter and was later discovered by French tourists in the early 20th century. The cave’s name, meaning «Wooden Head,» originates from an old legend about wooden stakes used in a historic battle against invaders. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, showcasing the natural beauty and rich history of Hạ Long Bay.
Hạ Long International Passenger Port
Hạ Long International Passenger Port, located in Quảng Ninh Province, Vietnam, is a key maritime gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hạ Long Bay. Established to boost tourism and regional connectivity, the port serves as a docking point for international cruise ships and domestic vessels, offering visitors direct access to the bay’s iconic limestone karsts and emerald waters. Its development reflects Vietnam’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism and cultural exchange in this scenic coastal region.
