A tourist boat operated by Cuu Long Tourist Boat Co. Ltd. went up in flames last Thursday on the waters of Ha Long Bay. 23 people, including 15 foreigners were rescued and no injuries were reported, reports VietNamNet.
Rescue boats arrived at the scene and were able to save the boat’s passengers and crew as the fire was brought under control by firefighters.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire that broke out as the boat was returning from an overnight tour of the UNESCO world heritage site.
A member of the rescue team told Thanh Nien that the fire may have been caused by a gas tank explosion, a suggestions that was in line with witness reports.
Mac Quang Gieng, vice director of Quang Ninh Department of Transport, told the press that the boat met safety regulations and requirements for staying in the bay at night.
Even so, the company’s tour operations have been suspended pending further investigation.
Vietnam tourist boats have had a tough year. In Janurary, hydrofoil service in HCMC was halted after an aging, Soviet-era boat burst into flames on the Saigon River.
