Vietnam province launches 24/7 vessel monitoring system in Ha Long Bay after deadly accident
The Military Command of Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam has deployed a medical ship and two high-speed patrol boats to operate around the clock in Ha Long Bay, aiming to improve maritime safety following last month’s tourist boat capsize that left 39 people dead.
Beginning on Wednesday, each patrol shift involves six to eight personnel, including communication officers and medical staff, said Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Son, deputy commander of the Military Command.
The medical ship is equipped with four stretchers, oxygen tanks, fire extinguishers, and other emergency equipment to support search and rescue efforts across the bay in the event of emergencies.
The enhanced patrol presence and floating checkpoints are designed to improve safety oversight for the more than 500 licensed tourist vessels in Ha Long Bay and to restore confidence among visitors.
In addition to the Military Command's efforts, other agencies have increased safety inspections at local ports and docks.
Several task forces now conduct joint patrols with port authorities along key navigation routes.
The provincial Department of Construction is also carrying out random inspections to check tourist vessels' compliance with waterway safety regulations while being docked and waiting for passengers.
At the direction of the provincial administration, the department and the Ha Long Bay management board are studying the implementation of a 24/7 vessel tracking system to allow real-time monitoring and communication in emergencies.
In parallel, the province is working with the Institute of Earth Sciences under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to roll out an early warning system for extreme weather events—such as thunderstorms, whirlwinds, and lightning—at critical locations, including Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and other coastal areas.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to protect tourists and vessels in the province while also contributing to its socio‑economic development.
The new measures come in the wake of the July 19 capsizing of the Vinh Xanh 58, a tourist boat that overturned during a sudden storm while carrying 49 people on a tour of Ha Long Bay.
The accident resulted in 39 deaths and 10 survivors.
Vinh Tho / Tuoi Tre News