Fire on a boat in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay! Taiwanese tourists “abandoned ship to flee” with 3 injured

▲Fire on a boat in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, left 3 Taiwanese tourists injured. (Photo / fromTin Nóng Quảng Ninh Facebook)

Reported by Lai Wen-hsuan / Taipei

A fire broke out on a boat in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay at 11:00 AM on the 6th. A kitchen accident caused the blaze, leading 18 people from a Lion Travel tour group, including the tour guide, to “abandon ship to flee.” During the evacuation, three Taiwanese tourists sustained minor injuries and have been sent to the hospital for rest and observation. The Tourism Bureau stated that the travel agency has dispatched personnel to Vietnam to assist and is arranging for the injured tourists to return to Taiwan early. Other members of the group will continue their itinerary.

A fire accident unexpectedly occurred on the Lion Travel tour group’s North Vietnam Ha Long Bay group tour on the 6th, involving a total of 18 people including the tour guide. The Greek goddess cruise ship they were on today caught fire in the kitchen while docking, causing the tourists to abandon ship. As a result, three members suffered injuries including a head impact wound, a jaw impact wound, and a leg sprain. They have now been hospitalized for rest and observation, and none of the travelers are in life-threatening condition. Lion Travel stated that it has sent supervisors to the scene to provide support and all necessary assistance.

▲Fire on a boat in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. (Photo / from Tin Nóng Quảng Ninh Facebook)

The Tourism Bureau stated that it has contacted the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vietnam under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist in handling the matter. It also instructed the travel agency to notify the families and properly manage follow-up issues. Lion Travel said that in addition to arranging medical treatment for the injured, it also upgraded the room types for the other group members and gave each member a 50 USD red envelope to calm their nerves. The tour group is still scheduled to return to Taiwan on May 8 as planned, and supervisors from Lion Travel will be there to meet the flight.

Lion Travel stated that the actual cause of the fire on the Greek goddess cruise ship is still subject to professional assessment by local authorities. Until responsibility is determined, ensuring the rights and interests of the travelers remains the top priority.