On May 5, Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee issued a document requesting to strengthen the assurance of inland waterway traffic safety in the area after the ferry capsizing incident occurred in Hung Hoi commune.
According to the direction, Hung Hoi Commune People's Committee urgently inspects and clarifies the incident of a ferry capsizing passengers to visit Hung Thien Pagoda (also known as Dong Hai Mother) that occurred on May 2; and at the same time reviews all activities of transporting and picking up passengers by waterway in the area. Violations (if any) must be rectified and strictly handled, not allowing similar incidents to recur.
The Provincial People's Committee also assigned the Provincial Police, Department of Construction, Office of the Provincial Traffic Safety Board and local authorities to strengthen the management of inland waterway traffic activities; inspect and handle violations according to regulations, ensuring safety for people and tourists.
The Department of Construction is assigned to monitor and urge the implementation, and promptly report to the Provincial People's Committee on difficulties and obstacles beyond its authority.
Previously, at about 11:30 am on May 2, a group of about 6 tourists hired a speedboat to move to Hung Thien Pagoda in Hung Hoi commune to visit and burn incense. During the movement, the vehicle was said to have got caught in a tree root on the canal and overturned, causing passengers to fall into the water.
Immediately after the incident occurred, functional forces and local people promptly supported and brought all passengers ashore safely.
According to records, the canal where the incident occurred is not large but has many vehicles passing by, including ferries carrying passengers to serve the travel and temple visit needs of people and tourists.
