On Monday, the Da Nang Department of Police began a prosecution for last Saturday evening’s capsize of a trip boat.

The tragic incident on the Han River, between the Thuan Phuoc and Han River bridges, claimed 3 lives and left many injured.

This case is a common violation of waterway traffic safety regulations, and has had serious consequences.  Passenger overloading is seen as the primary cause of the accident as the boat was carrying 56 people, or double its capacity.  The passengers were also not properly seated on deck, resulting in too many gathering on one side of the boat and causing it to overturn. 

Chairman Tho investigating the responsibility of relevant local agencies

Most notably, the trip boat did not have a legitimate license to transport passengers on the river.

The captain of the boat, Le Cong Chi, is being held in custody whilst its owner, Vo Quoc Hung, has also been summoned by local police officers for questioning.

Following a decision by municipal People’s Committee Chairman Huynh Duc Tho on Monday, the Director of the Da Nang Inland Waterways Authority, Mr Le Sau, and the Head of the city’s Wharf Management Team, Mr Nguyen Cong Hieu, have been suspended from work for their loose management and irresponsibility.

Chairman Tho also strictly queried other local agencies about their responsibility, and emphasised that strict punishments will be imposed on any other persons found negligent and in part responsible for this serious incident.

He stressed the urgency for the municipal Department of Tourism to establish a trip boats’ association as soon as possible to enhance the effective monitoring of its members.

Representatives from the city’s Department of Tourism suggested that local relevant agencies should issue specific regulations about ensuring there are sufficient life jackets and a sound system onboard local trip boats for use in emergencies. 

Also, a rescue team consisting of professional divers should be set up ready for the prompt rescue and salvage of any future trip boats in danger or with emergencies.

At noon on Monday, 7 of the accident victims were still under treatment at the Da Nang General Hospital and the city’s Maternity and Paediatrics Hospital, whilst the remainder have now been discharged from hospital.

The Thuan Phuoc Ward People’s Committee in Hai Chau District gave a reward of one million VND to Mrs Nguyen Thi Be, a local resident, for discovering the body of one of the 3 dead passengers, 47-year-old Pham Tan Cuong from Binh Dinh Province.