The move followed public controversy about a recent social media clip featuring a motorboat operating on Ha Long Bay. The motorboat transported four people, but only one wore a life jacket. The boat design resembles a supercar.
The ‘supercar’ motorboat on Ha Long Bay: Photo taken from the clip
According to a representative from the Quang Ninh Department of Transport, the department verified the information and found that the motorboat belongs to a travel firm in Ha Long. The company has bought the motorboats to provide tourism services. Despite not yet being registered, the motorboats have been piloted on Ha Long Bay to help in their marketing but did not seek local authority permission.
Quang Ninh authorities have ordered the company to suspend the use of the motorboats on Ha Long Bay.
The representative said that for these boats to be used on Ha Long Bay, they would need to be registered for specific routes and operation times. The service would also have to conform to other regulations, including fire safety and life jacket wearing.
