As reported in local and International news, on the 17th February 2011, a tourist boat in Halong Bay, Vietnam, sank in the early hours, whilst moored for the evening. Tragically the accident resulted in the death of 12 passengers.
The boat that sank did not have customers of Khiri Travel or its clients on board. Our heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the victims.
This horrific accident does raise legitimate concerns toward the safety of overnight cruises in the area, where boat operators have multiplied in recent years to service a growing number of tourists. While Khiri Travel Vietnam only selects operators who can provide the relevant operating and safety licenses and ensures all vessels are sea-worthy, we nonetheless have decided to halt all our booked Halong Bay cruises until we have renewed all safety checks.
Staff of our Hanoi office is spending the next days performing safety checks, using the 2009 Preferred Code of Practice as issued by the Federation of Tour Operators as guide line. When satisfied with the results we will resume cruises, so everyone can rest assured safety is not an issue when cruising the Halong Bay.