FIRE MAY INSTIGATE BAN ON WOODEN VESSELS

Posted on 05/13/2016 | About Vietnam

Authorities in Halong Bay, Vietnam want to eliminate wooden cruise ships and encourage the use of steel vessels in the area within the next four years. The reason was evident last week when 36 passengers were on the Aphrodite when it caught fire and then sank. (Video)

A speedboat rescued a number of passengers from the burning vessel built in 2011, but some jumped overboard. No serious injuries were reported. 

Nguyen Duc Long, chairman of Quang Ninh People’s Committee, ordered police to investigate the causes of the fire and clarify if the company operating the boat met safety standards. 

He suspended all the other boats operated by VIT Ha Long and ordered the company to pay for all damages associated with the fire. 

Tourist boats operating in Ha Long and Bai Tu Long were to be inspected with a focus on electricity devices, firefighting systems and fire risks on board. 

“Boats that fail to meet fire safety requirements will be suspended from operation,” said Nguyen Duc Long. 

As well as phasing out wooden ships, there is talk of eliminating overnight trips for passenger vessels. Presently 200 of the 500 ships in the area offer overnight tours.