
The Vinh Xanh 58 sightseeing boat has been recovered following the accident.
Sea Octopus Cruise issued a public apology on July 20, acknowledging a "serious and unacceptable mistake" for staging fireworks on the night of July 19. At that time, rescue teams were still searching for passengers after the Vinh Xanh 58 sightseeing boat capsized in Ha Long Bay.
The company pledged to review its entire internal process, particularly emergency communication protocols, and expressed regret to the public. It also committed to supporting the families of the victims.
Similarly, Ambassador Cruise Ha Long released a statement, taking full responsibility for what it called a “lack of sensitivity” that “unintentionally caused distress to the victims’ families and the wider community.” The operator said it would suspend all onboard entertainment and extended its deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
According to initial reports, the Vinh Xanh 58 boat was carrying tourists on a Ha Long Bay tour at 12.55 pm on July 19.
By 1.30pm, the steel-hull vessel, built in 2015, encountered sudden strong winds and lost its GPS signal at 2.05 pm. The winds tilted and overturned the boat, throwing all passengers and crew into the water. Local authorities reported that 49 people were on board at the time, including 46 tourists and 3 crew members.
Rescue teams saved 10 people. As of July 20, 35 bodies had been recovered and four people remained missing.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing. Authorities are also investigating the cause of the accident, providing support to the victims’ families, and working to prevent similar incidents in the future.