According to the Quang Ninh Provincial Military Command, the incident occurred around 5 a.m. near Hon Net, a prominent area within Bai Tu Long Bay.
The passenger boat, registration number QN-5427, had a capacity of 48 passengers and was owned by Tran Van Ty (born 1989, residing in Lien Hoa, Quang Yen Town). It was carrying five workers at the time of the accident.
Ty recounted that the boat sank while everyone onboard was asleep due to strong winds and high waves. The boat had been moored to a self-propelled barge carrying an excavator bucket, which in turn was tied to the side of the HAPPY VOYEGER, a Panamanian-flagged vessel.
After the accident, Ty and three workers were rescued, but two remain missing. The passenger boat is now submerged.
Rescue forces from the Quang Ninh Provincial Military Command, Ha Long City Military Command, Cam Pha Port Border Guard Station, and other relevant agencies quickly mobilized personnel and equipment to search for the missing victims.
Authorities have recovered the body of one victim, while the search for the remaining victim continues.
The Quang Ninh Provincial Military Command confirmed that the body of V.C.Q. (63 years old, residing in Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong) was found shortly after noon on December 7.
Rescue teams remain on site to search for the remaining victim.
Pham Cong