Vietnam’s Can Tho orders suspension of ‘flying’ speedboat operations

'Vo lai' refers to a thin, elongated motorized boat commonly used for waterway transportation in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

Huynh Thanh Phuong, chairman of the Thoi Lai People's Committee, said on Wednesday that the commune had ordered the suspension of the service for inspection.

The move came after several videos circulated on social media showing passengers riding in a 'vo lai' traveling at high speed across the water and weaving through a narrow canal.

Many people commented that the activity was dangerous and could pose significant risks if proper safety measures were not in place.

Even a minor mistake or collision with an underwater obstacle could cause the boat to capsize or lose control, they said.

Tran Long Ho, permanent vice-chairman of the Thoi Lai People's Committee, said the service was operated by R.T., a business registered to operate tours, rent machinery and equipment without operators, and provide mobile food services.

An inspection by the commune's division of culture and society and local police found that the 'vo lai' service had not complied with regulations as the operator had not taken adequate safety measures for a tourism product that could pose risks to tourists’ lives and health.

R.T. had also failed to notify the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the activity and had not registered the boats as required.

Authorities therefore ordered the operator to suspend the 'vo lai' service until it meets the required safety conditions and completes the necessary procedures.

The operator must register its tourism business with tourism authorities, prepare a dossier for a safety assessment, and register the boats with police in accordance with regulations.

R.T. has since suspended the service. 

Authorities are also reviewing promotional content posted on social media and have ordered it to be removed.