A large number of tourist boats were moved to the storm shelter anchorage of Ha Long Shipbuilding Company on August 22.
The vessels were moored close together and secured with ropes to limit collisions during heavy rain and strong winds. Two people were assigned to each boat to remain on duty and regularly inspect mooring lines and the condition of the vessel.
Tourist boats in Quang Ninh Province move into the shelter anchorage on August 22 (Photo: T. Van).
Speaking to local media, Nguyen Binh An, a representative of the T.T. tourist boat fleet, said the operator had checked engines, electrical systems and lifesaving equipment after the boats reached their anchorage.
The company also sealed necessary areas, reinforced mooring lines, secured the vessels and assigned crew members to remain on watch.
"We are in regular contact with captains, crew and the authorities to update weather developments. Only when safety is assured and permission is granted by the competent authorities will the fleet resume operations," An said.
A boat owner secures a vessel at the anchorage area (Photo: T. Van).
At Ha Long International Passenger Port, the mooring areas for tourist boats were almost empty, with only a few large cruise vessels still anchored there.
Tourists from island routes had been brought back to the mainland since the morning and accommodated in hotels.
Alongside the tourist boats, many fishing vessels were also taken by residents to safe shelter. Prolonged heavy rain caused flooding in some parts of Quang Ninh Province.
Quang Ninh Province saw continuous rain on August 22 (Photo: T. Van).
From August 22 to the night of August 24, Quang Ninh Province and Haiphong City are forecast to receive 250-350mm of rain, with some places seeing more than 600mm. After the night of August 24, widespread rain across northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa Province may continue.
