The incident occurred at around 6:15 p.m. in Dam Ha commune, according to local authorities. At that time, the raft owned by Nguyen Van Minh, 45, a local resident, was transporting 17 people from Ghenh Vo Wharf to Binh Hai village’s coastal area for clam farming. Strong winds and heavy rain caused the raft to overturn.

Rescue efforts were immediately launched by police, military, and local residents. However, prolonged rain and low tide made operations difficult. Border guards from Quang Duc commune deployed a vessel from Ghenh Võ Wharf to assist in the search.

By 7 a.m. on August 18, authorities recovered the bodies of two victims near an oyster farming area close to the scene. The bodies were transferred to Hai Ha Medical Centre for following procedures.

Earlier, one victim was rescued by locals and taken to Dam Ha Commune Health Station for emergency treatment. The remaining 14 were safely brought ashore.

Last month, a tourist boat capsized in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh, leaving 39 people dead. Following the tragedy, Quang Ninh authorities held a working session with the Institute of Earth Sciences to study the installation of storm and squall warning systems in Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and coastal areas, with the aim of enhancing hazardous weather alerts and ensuring the safety of tourists and vessels operating in the waters.

Quang Ninh eyes storm warning system following tourist boat tragedy

Quang Ninh province is working with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology’s Institute of Earth Sciences (IES) to study the installation of an early warning system for thunderstorms, heavy rains, and dangerous sea waves in Ha Long and Bai Tu Long Bays following the tragic Vinh Xanh 58 tourist boat capsizing.