Four tourists fall into the river from Khoi My Restaurant in Cai Rang Floating Market on February 16.
The Can Tho Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on Monday that the Khoi My Restaurant had been suspended and had to pay fines following the police investigation into the accident.
According to a department report, about 100 visitors gathered at a corner of the floating restaurant to wait for a boat at 6.20 am on February 16 when suddenly the restaurant shook, and four fell into the river.
The four were then safely saved by some tourist boats. Although the visitors did not complain, Can Tho Police arrived and decided to suspend the restaurant's operation.
"The police found that the Khoi My Restaurant failed to ensure visitor safety during their operations, and their registration certificate has expired," the department said, adding that it would be suspended until it completed the required registration and fixed its safety facilities.
Speaking to the police, the restaurant owner, Tran Chi, said that the accident happened while they were doing repairs while still serving visitors.
Khoi My floating restaurant is 20 metres from the shore.
Covering some 200 square metres, Khoi My floating restaurant is 20 metres from the shore above five-metre deep water.
The Can Tho Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also said it will inspect all tourism facilities operating at Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the most popular tourist sites in the Mekong Delta region, to ensure visitor safety.
