Tourist boat bursts into flames in Vietnam

A tourist boat with 25 people on board burst into flames in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay on Tuesday night.

Passengers includied 16 foreigners, a tour guide, a cruise attendant and seven crew members. Luckily, they were all rescued just in time.

According to Thanhnien News, flames swept through the three-star cruiser while it was anchored at the bay.

The ship's captain alerted local authorities after discovering a small fire in the cabin.

The IWA, waterway police and fire police were then deployed to the scene to combat the flame and carry out an evacuation, with the aid of some other ships in the bay, reports Tuoitre News.

All 25 people on board were taken safely to Ti Top Island.

Firefighters spent hours trying to put out the fire but it was so strong it burned down the whole vessel.

The boat had 18 beds and private bathrooms for customers, as well as a dining area for 30 people.

It recently resumed operations after a maintenance period.

Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

Related stories

Three die in Caribbean cruise ship fire

1,000 people left in pitch black after fire on Boudicca cruise ship