Vietnam ferry operator fined for carrying passengers across Red River during flood conditions
Vietnamese authorities fined a ferry operator on Wednesday for carrying passengers across the Red River during high water levels and unsafe conditions.
A ferry transports passengers across the Red River amid high floodwaters on the Red River in Hung Yen Province, northern Vietnam, October 1, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Hung Yen provincial traffic police unit
A traffic police unit in Hung Yen Province issued a VND5.5 million (US$208) administrative fine to the operator after receiving reports that a ferry at Binh Minh terminal in Me So Commune continued to run despite rising floodwaters.
Police inspected the terminal and identified D.T.L., director of K.L. Waterway Transport Co., as responsible.
The operator admitted to running the service amid adverse weather and rising water levels.
The ferry service was suspended and the vessel anchored.
Authorities said operations will resume only when conditions are safe.
Water levels on the Red River near Hung Yen rose to 6.06 meters at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, about 0.24 meters below the government’s designated flood alert threshold.
The rise is attributed to high-volume releases from upstream reservoirs.
Bao Anh - Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre News