Vietnam has seen a dramatic rise in accidents, injuries and fatalities on its rivers in the first five months of the year.
As of May 27, 32 river traffic accidents have killed 31 people and injured another four nationwide this year according to the National Traffic Safety Committee. Compared to the same period last year this is an increase of 33.33% for accidents and 138.46% for fatalities.
Experts explain that many of the accidents are the result of boats being homemade by owners without any oversight or adherence to safety regulations. Moreover, the vessels often carrying passengers, agricultural products or commodities rarely contain the legally required life jackets.
While many of the accidents involve small boats, some larger vessels have endured tragedy. In March, an oil tanker caught fire on the Dong Nai River, claiming two lives.
Authorities claim that Vietnam lacks the necessary number of police to patrol the entirety of Vietnam's waterways which would improve safety. Additionally, the fines and penalties for refusing to follow safety regulations are too lax to discourage scofflaws.
