Cargo Boat Explodes on Saigon River, One Dead

A cargo boat, over 10 meters long, suddenly caught fire and exploded while navigating the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Thu Duc City) on the morning of August 8. The incident resulted in the death of one crew member, while three others jumped into the river and were rescued. Around 7 AM, residents along the Saigon River heard multiple loud explosions emanating from a boat sailing midstream, opposite ICD Phuoc Long 3 port (formerly Thu Duc City). Intense smoke and flames then erupted, prompting three individuals on board to jump into the water. A woman identified as Tuy was trapped on the vessel. The distressed boat was located more than 50 meters from the shore, in a section approximately 20 meters deep, a crucial maritime route frequented by container ships entering and exiting the port. Mr. Tan, a riverside resident, reported hearing continuous explosions from the boat. Several smaller boats belonging to local fishermen rushed to the scene to provide assistance. The Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department, in coordination with the Waterway Police of the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police Department, deployed multiple vehicles to the scene to extinguish the fire and conduct rescue operations. The three individuals who fell into the water were saved, but Ms. Tuy was pronounced dead. The boat burned out and sank approximately 20 minutes after the incident began. Two police boats are currently searching for the submerged vessel to commence salvage operations. Only a piece of wood, part of the burned-out boat, was recovered and brought ashore. Authorities suspect that the boat initially caught fire, and the flames subsequently spread to a fuel tank in the engine room, causing the explosion. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Source: VnExpress