The blast occurred at about 12.30 pm while cargo was being loaded and unloaded, with initial reports indicating a gas leak triggered the explosion aboard the vessel.
The boat caught fire before sinking and was completely destroyed.
The blast affected an area within about 150 metres, causing minor damage to nearby houses and heavily damaging several motorbikes. Initial losses were estimated at VND 1.5 billion (USD 57,000).
Local military, police and residents joined rescue efforts to evacuate the injured and stabilise the area, while authorities investigate the cause.
