Boat carrying 42 foreign passengers collides with ferry on Tien River

An Giang: A boat carrying many people crashed into a ferry on the Tien River in Tan Chau town, injuring two tourists and a tour guide on the afternoon of April 19.

At around 6 p.m., a boat bearing the name Hang Chau Tourist Express Boat was carrying 42 foreign passengers from Phnom Penh, Cambodia to Chau Doc, An Giang, on the Tien River. When it reached Vinh Xuong commune, about one kilometer from Cambodia, the boat collided with a ferry carrying passengers passing by.

Boat carrying 42 foreign passengers collides with ferry on Tien River — The moment the passenger ship collided with the barge. Video : *Provided by local people*

The bow of the ferry crashed into the middle of the cruise ship, breaking a large piece. Tourists standing near the collision were severely shocked and fell to the floor. A 36-year-old male tour guide from Tan Chau town had his right arm severed by a piece of iron and both legs were broken. Two German and French male tourists (57 and 67 years old) had their left legs broken.

Accident scene. Photo: Tran Thanh — Accident scene. Photo: *Tran Thanh*

Mr. Que Chi, a passenger on the ferry, said the tourist boat was traveling at a fairly high speed. When the ferry captain sensed danger, he slowed down but it was too late. After the collision, many tourists panicked and cried for help, and the ferry slowed down to help the boat to shore.

The cruise ship was at risk of sinking due to water seeping in from many places. The passengers were rescued by the captain and local residents. The three injured were taken to Tan Chau Hospital.

A victim was taken to the emergency room by locals. Photo: Provided by locals — A victim was taken to the emergency room by locals. Photo: *Provided by locals*

Mr. Bui Thai Hoang, Secretary of Vinh Xuong Commune, said that as of tonight, the two foreign tourists are in stable health after being given first aid and treatment. The seriously injured male tour guide has been transferred to Chau Doc Regional General Hospital.

According to Mr. Hoang, the tourist boat has been registered to transport passengers for more than ten years. When the accident happened, the boat was on the correct route. The ferry was carrying people and vehicles from Thuong Phuoc ferry terminal (Dong Thap) to Chau Doc.

Foreign tourists injured. Photo: Provided by local people — Foreign tourists injured. Photo: *Provided by local people*

According to the cruise ship's website, the ship that had the accident was operating on the An Giang - Phnom Penh route. Every day, the ship picks up passengers at Chau Doc wharf, Chau Phu B ward, departs for Phnom Penh at 7:30 am, and returns to An Giang from Phnom Penh at 12:30 pm. Each leg of the journey takes about 5 hours. Most of the passengers are foreigners.

Ngoc Tai - Dinh Van

Source link