According to the Region 3 Maritime Search and Rescue CoordinationCentre, the boat, with registration number H29-BP, sank on August 2night when carrying 30 passengers, including two foreigners, from GoCong Dong of southern Tien Giang province to Vung Tau city.
Due to strong wind, the boat capsized on the portion of Soai RapRiver that crosses Long Hoa village in Can Gio district of Ho ChiMinh City.
Rescue units were sent right after theaccident was reported and managed to save the lives of 21 people. Thesurvivors were admitted to the healthcare centre of Can Thanh commune,Can Gio district, and Le Loi hospital in Vung Tau city.
As of the morning of August 3, one person was killed and eight others remain missing.
Relevant agencies of Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria-Vung Tau are still searching for the eight missing passengers.
Minister of Transport Dinh La Thang, who arrived in Can Gio districton August 3 to oversee the search and rescue work, said rescue unitsshould extend the searching area before a storm is expected to makelandfall.
He also asked the Vietnam Maritime Administration to work with relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the accident.-VNA