Laos, Japan send condolences over boat capsize in Ha Long Bay

According to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on July 22, Lao Prime Minister Sonesay Siphandone sent a message of condolences to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh about the unexpected capsize of a tourist boat in Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh) on July 19. Lao Foreign Minister Thoongsavane Phomvihane and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi also sent messages of condolences and greetings to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

The condolence message from Lao Prime Minister Sonesay Siphandone read:

"I have been closely following the situation of storm No. 3 (Wipha) when it made landfall in the coastal areas of northern Vietnam, causing serious damage to the lives and properties of the Vietnamese people. In particular, the capsized tourist boat in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh, on July 19.

On behalf of the Lao Party, Government and people, I would like to send my sincere regards and deepest condolences to you and through you to the senior leaders of Vietnam, as well as to the Party, Government and people of our brotherly Vietnam, especially the local authorities and families of the victims of this natural disaster; at the same time, I express my belief that under the leadership and close attention of the Party and Government, the people of our brotherly Vietnam will overcome all difficulties, and bring the lives of the people, especially the affected families, to soon stabilize and return to normal."

The Green Bay 58 ship was towed to shore and capsized in the early morning of July 20. (Photo: Navy)

Previously, on the afternoon of July 19, the ship Vinh Xanh 58 (license plate QN-7105) departed from Ha Long International Passenger Port, carrying 49 people, including 46 tourists and 3 crew members to visit Ha Long Bay Route 2 (Quang Ninh). However, in the early afternoon of the same day, a sudden storm and strong winds blew the ship toppled and capsized, all passengers and crew members sank into the sea. As of July 22, authorities had rescued 10 people, found the bodies of 37 people, and 2 victims were missing at sea.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/lao-nhat-ban-gui-dien-chia-buon-vu-lat-tau-o-vinh-ha-long-215012.html