Hon Gai Beach is an artificial beach, built on an area of 15.52 hectares, with a length of 900m, width of 160m; next to the 28m wide auxiliary sidewalk, planted with many shady trees. This area is also equipped with amenities such as a shower area and a parking lot.
The project has a total investment of more than 100 billion VND, put into operation from May 1, 2021, managed by the Ha Long City Public Services Management Board.
On September 16, Lao Dong newspaper reporters were present at Hon Gai beach to investigate the incident. According to the records, the safety boundary buoy at the beach was broken by the storm and swept ashore, while the work to overcome the consequences is being deployed.
Mr. Do Van Than, a lifeguard at the beach, said: "On September 7, when storm No. 3 made landfall, two barges ran aground at the beach. On September 9, when the sea level rose, the two barges started their engines and left. This process caused the propellers to stir up the sand, creating strong whirlpools. When checking when the sea level was low, we discovered two holes about 2 meters deep at the location where the barges ran aground."
On the morning of September 17, at Hon Gai Beach when the water was low, two holes were 2 meters apart, about 10 meters from rescue hut number 2, with a diameter of over 4 meters.
Mr. Vu Van Truyen, a lifeguard on duty at rescue hut number 2, shared: "Not only are there two deep holes, but there are also many low spots around that look like creeks, which can easily cause swimmers to lose their feet. These two deep holes are like two wells, up to the head of an adult, extremely dangerous, we are determined not to let anyone near this area."
A representative of the Ha Long City Public Services and Utilities Management Board said that immediately after discovering the two deep holes, the unit quickly put up warning signs and asked rescue forces to continuously broadcast using loudspeakers, advising tourists to stay away from the dangerous area. The plan to fill the two deep holes is also being urgently implemented.
