The Government Office has just issued document No. 1760/VPCP-KGVX announcing the direction of Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh on the tourist boat fire incident that occurred on February 27, 2026 in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh province.
The Deputy Prime Minister requested the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province to direct functional forces to focus all forces on overcoming the consequences of the fire; ensuring absolute safety, health care and timely psychological and property support for tourists (if any).
Promptly investigate and clarify the cause of the fire and strictly handle organizations and individuals violating regulations on fire prevention and fighting (PCCC) and waterway traffic safety.
At the same time, inspect and review the safety and technical conditions of the entire tourist boat fleet operating in Ha Long Bay, resolutely handle and suspend the operation of vehicles that do not meet safety standards as prescribed; report the handling results to the Prime Minister on March 3, 2026.
The Deputy Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to preside over and coordinate with the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, ministries, relevant agencies and localities to review and comprehensively assess the work of ensuring safety in tourism activities, especially for waterway tourism.
Inspect the compliance with safety regulations, tourist service procedures, propaganda and guidance for tourists to implement safety assurance measures; promptly propose solutions to strengthen management, risk prevention, raise awareness and responsibility of businesses and tourists; report to the Prime Minister before March 10, 2026.
Previously, on the afternoon of February 27, the Signature QN-7269 tourist boat caught fire in the area near Hang Co on Ha Long Bay. This is a wooden boat, with a capacity of 48 seats, belonging to Ha Long Scenic International Tourism Joint Stock Company.
At the time of the incident, there were 41 people on board, including 28 foreign guests and 2 Vietnamese guests, and 11 crew members.
Immediately after detecting the incident, the captain and crew members quickly took all tourists off the ship safely. All passengers and crew members were safe and in stable health.
Functional agencies of Quang Ninh province have coordinated with ship owners businesses to contact embassies of countries with citizens on board to support the re-issuance of passports for cases of lost papers.
At the same time, coordinate with the Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) to issue passports as soon as possible, creating conditions for tourists to continue to visit Vietnam or complete exit procedures according to their wishes.
The ship management enterprise is committed to supporting personal belongings and essential items for immediate living; initial support of 5 million VND per person. For tourists with underlying illnesses or needing medical care, the locality has arranged examination and treatment at medical facilities; all costs are paid by the enterprise in coordination.
