According to initial reports, the incident took place at around 7:15 p.m. in the area of Bao Ai commune, Lao Cai province. The stone ferry was transporting rocks from Xuan Long to Huong Ly Port when it collided with a passenger vessel traveling in the opposite direction.

At the time of the accident, the passenger boat was en route from Mong Son to Phuc Ninh. There were 22 passengers on board, along with the captain.

Following the collision, the passenger boat sank into the lake.

Local authorities and rescue forces were immediately mobilised to the scene to carry out search and rescue operations. As of the latest update, 17 people have been located and are reported to be in stable condition. Six others remain missing.

Authorities have released the identities of the missing individuals and continue efforts to locate them. Search operations are ongoing, while investigators work to determine the cause of the collision in accordance with legal procedures.

Thac Ba Lake, a large artificial reservoir in northern Vietnam, is a key transportation and economic hub for surrounding communities. The accident has drawn significant attention, particularly as it occurred during the busy Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday period, when travel activity is typically elevated.

Boat capsizes in central Vietnam, two dead and two missing

VOV.VN - Two people have died and two go missing after a boat carrying seven family members capsized on the Gianh River in central Vietnam on February 19, local authorities said.