Two Cruise Ships in Ha Long Set Off Fireworks After Blue Bay 58 Capsized: Tourism Industry Responds

The fireworks display of two cruise ships in Ha Long Bay on the night of the search for victims of the capsized ship Bay Xanh 58 (July 19) made many people angry.

Controversial fireworks display of 2 cruise ships in Ha Long

At the regular press conference of the second quarter of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (held on the afternoon of July 24), the issue related to the controversial fireworks display of two cruise ships in Ha Long Bay (Ambassador Cruise and Sea Octopus) on the evening of July 19, the same day the ship Blue Bay 58 capsized, was discussed.

Specifically, after the ship Vinh Xanh 58 sank in Ha Long Bay ( Quang Ninh ) due to a storm on the afternoon of July 19, authorities, rescue teams and many people joined in supporting the search and rescue efforts. On the evening of July 19, while the rescue team was still struggling to search the bay and ambulance sirens were blaring loudly on the streets, nearby, two cruise ships were still shooting fireworks and playing music.

Fireworks display on Ambassador Cruise

PHOTO: AMBASSADOR CRUISE

The incident attracted attention on social media as many tourists took photos and livestreamed the fireworks display. Many people were outraged, saying that the fireworks display of the two cruise ships was "insensitive" and "unacceptable". On July 20, both cruise ship representatives issued an apology, pledging to review internal procedures, especially the emergency communication process, and apologized to the community and pledged to stand with the victim's family.

Sharing at the press conference, Mr. Pham Van Thuy, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, expressed his opinion: "Our ancestors have a saying 'Gourd, love the squash, although they are different species, they are on the same vine', or 'Love others as you love yourself'. As human beings, when experiencing pain, it can be said that from a certain perspective, this action (the two cruise ships setting off fireworks) is unacceptable".

Mr. Pham Van Thuy further analyzed: "If we organize a wedding, and the family next door has a funeral, then of course we have to 'lighten' the organization accordingly. However, besides the business establishments, the head of the program organization needs to raise the responsibility of the passengers as well."

"We need to communicate with tourism businesses, request solutions and responsibilities for passenger tours to ensure absolute safety, ensure harmony with local culture, and with those around us. We need to think more about the perspective of those who hurt others for personal pleasure. The tourism industry is deeply aware and believes that we need to further enhance our responsibility for education and communication," added Mr. Pham Van Thuy.

Improve disaster warning work

As Thanh Nien reported, at 12:55 on July 19, the cruise ship Green Bay 58, number QN-7105, departed from Ha Long International Passenger Port, carrying 46 passengers and 3 crew members, visiting Ha Long Bay on route number 2.

When arriving at the eastern area of Dau Go Cave, at around 1:30 p.m., a strong storm with hail and lightning suddenly appeared, causing the ship to capsize completely. All those on board were drowned in the sea. As a result, 37 people died and 2 others are still missing.

The search for missing people is taking place urgently.

PHOTO: NH

Quang Ninh province has mobilized nearly 350 people and nearly 50 waterway vehicles, including border guards, army, provincial police, coast guard, Navy Region 1... to serve the search and rescue work.

Deputy Director Pham Van Thuy shared: "The work of warning, advising and ensuring safety for tourists is always carried out in the following aspects: prevention, proactive and timely response and overcoming according to the 4 on-site principles (on-site command; on-site forces; on-site means and materials; on-site logistics). After the incident in Quang Ninh, the leaders of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration held an online meeting, assigning responsibilities to each officer in charge of each area. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also issued a telegram with strong instructions for the Vietnam National Tourism Administration and ministries and branches to coordinate in handling the problem."

At the press conference, Mr. Cao Le Tuan Anh, Chief of Office of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shared: "We all feel the pain of our compatriots, and the pain of the victims. However, we should not panic and let it affect the tourism industry, which is a key economic sector. We hope that everyone will have an objective view and assessment so that this rare incident does not affect the tourism industry in general. In this incident, Quang Ninh province also responded very quickly and responsibly. They focused on overcoming the incident, building a communication plan to maintain tourists' love for the sea and the bay.

Cruise and cruise tourism is a popular form of tourism not only in Vietnam but also in the world. Vietnam's tourism industry is also striving every day and every hour to achieve the goal of welcoming 25 million tourists in 2025 as expected by the Prime Minister. After the recent unfortunate incident, we need to improve propaganda, not neglect and be subjective about tourism activities at sea, bays... It is necessary to complete the safety procedures when traveling at sea, bays".

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hai-du-thuyen-o-ha-long-ban-phao-hoa-sau-vu-lat-tau-vinh-xanh-58-nganh-du-lich-phan-hoi-185250724165240921.htm