Grand requiem held for victims of Ha Long Bay boat tragedy
More than a spiritual event, the requiem was a deeply humane and culturally meaningful gesture. It commemorates not only the 39 victims of the July 19 tragedy but also all those who lost their lives in Ha Long Bay over the years.
At the grand requiem ceremony being held at Ha Long International Cruise Port in Bai Chay ward in the northern province of Quang Ninh. (Photo: laodong.vn)
Quang Ninh (VNA)ও – A grand requiem ceremony is being held at Ha Long International Cruise Port in Bai Chay ward, the northern province of Quang Ninh, to commemorate 39 victims of the recent tragic accident involving vessel Vinh Xanh 58.
The event, lasting from 5 am to 9 pm on July 28, is organised by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s Quang Ninh province chapter, relevant authorities, and the victims’ families.
Provincial leaders, representatives of local departments and agencies, Buddhist dignitaries, nearly 100 monks and nuns, and victims' relatives attended the event.
The grand requiem ceremony, lasting from 5 am to 9 pm on July 28, is organised by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s Quang Ninh province chapter, relevant authorities, and the victims’ families. (Photo: laodong.vn)
More than a spiritual event, the requiem was a deeply humane and culturally meaningful gesture. It commemorates not only the 39 victims of the July 19 tragedy but also all those who lost their lives in Ha Long Bay over the years. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of natural disasters and accidents, and as an expression of sympathy and solidarity with the victims' families.
Vinh Xanh 58, carrying 46 tourists and three crew members, was struck by an unexpected thunderstorm while on a sightseeing tour to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island. The steel-hulled vessel, built in 2015, lost GPS signal contact at 2:05 pm on July 19./.
Over the past week, Quang Ninh authorities and relevant agencies mobilised nearly 100 personnel, divided into 28 teams to comb through the bay’s many islands and surrounding waters to search for victims of the Vinh Xanh 58 tourist boat capsize in Ha Long Bay. As of now, all missing individuals have been located.
The Vietnam Red Cross Society Central Committee on July 20 decided to allocate 215 million VND (over 8,200 USD) from its disaster relief fund to assist the victims and their families.
The boat, carrying 46 tourists and three crew members, was struck by an unexpected thunderstorm while on a sightseeing tour to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island.
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According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety.
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