Laos, Japan extend condolences to Vietnam over tourist boat capsizing in Ha Long Bay

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Tuesday sent a message of condolence to his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh.

In the message, PM Sonexay Siphandone said he had closely followed the developments of storm Wipha, which made landfall in Vietnam's northern coastal region and caused serious damage to lives and property, particularly the boat capsizing incident in Ha Long Bay on July 19.

"On behalf of the Party, government, and people of Laos, I would like to extend my sincere sympathy and deepest condolences to you, and through you to senior leaders of Vietnam, as well as to the fraternal Vietnamese Party, government and people, especially the local authorities and families of the victims affected by this natural disaster,” he wrote.

The Lao PM also expressed his confidence that under the close leadership and attention of the Vietnamese Party and government, the Vietnamese people will soon overcome the difficulties and restore normal life, particularly for those affected.

Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thoongsavanh Phomvihane and Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Iwaya Takeshi also sent messages of sympathy and condolence to Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

On July 19 afternoon, the tourist boat, carrying 49 people, was overturned by a sudden thunderstorm in Ha Long Bay.