2009 Gianh River boat accident

Maritime incident in Vietnam August 2014 The 2009 Gianh River boat accident occurred on 25 January 2009 on the Gianh River near Quảng Hải Village, in the Quảng Trạch District of Quảng Bình Province in Vietnam.https://www.bbc.com/vietnamese/vietnam/story/2009/01/090125_boat_sinks Chìm đò sông Gianh 40 người thiệt mạng BBC News tiếng Việt 25 January 2000 23 February 2009 Vietnamese https://web.archive.org/web/20090215022121/http://www.bbc.co.uk/vietnamese/vietnam/story/2009/01/090125_boat_sinks.shtml 15 February 2009 live A wooden boat sank 20 meters from the shore in strong currents during windy conditions. There were reportedly over 80 people on board, yet the boat was capable of carrying only 20. The accident caused 42 deaths and five people were missing. The Prime Minister of Vietnam sent his condolences to the victims' families. The government of Quảng Bình Province decided to cancel the fireworks supposed to take place at midnight the same day, on the eve of Tết, the New Year Day in Vietnam. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/01/25/2473992.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20101118130417/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/01/25/2473992.htm dead 18 November 2010 40 dead in Vietnam river boat accident: official 26 January 2009 Background On January 25, 2009, approximately 40 people drowned when an overloaded ferry sank in the Gianh River early in the morning. According to witnesses, the small ferry was carrying about 80 people, though it was only meant to carry 20.“Boat Capsizes, 40 Die in Central Vietnam.” Arabia 2000. Arabia 2000, Jan. 2009. Web. 30 Apr. 2016. Most of the victims were women and children, including 3 women that were pregnant. At least 36 passengers survived, a few by swimming to shore and others being rescued, but several are still missing.“40 People Were Killed When a Small, Overloaded Ferry Sinks in Vietnam.” Canadian Press, The. Canadian Reference Centre, Jan. 2009. Web. 30 Apr. 2016. According to Luong Ngoc Binh, provincial communist party chief, "The waves on the river were big, the wind was strong and it was cold, so it was very difficult for people to survive."“40 Dead in Vietnam River Boat Accident: Official.” ABC NEWS. ABC NEWS, Jan, 2009. Web. 1 May 2016. The boat was crowded because people were trying to cross the river to get to the market. They were rushing to buy things for the Lunar New Year festivities. The tragedy happened on the eve of the Tet Lunar New Year, the biggest annual festival in Vietnam. It was supposed to reunite families for celebration meals and to pray for good luck in the year ahead.“40 Dead in Vietnam River Boat Accident: Official.” ABC NEWS. ABC NEWS, Jan, 2009. Web. 1 May 2016. According to Phan Lam Phuong, the governor of Quang Binh, “It’s a tragedy for the province, it should have been time to celebrate the Lunar New Year.” The provincial government decided to cancel the Lunar New Year fireworks show. It was one of the worst ferry accidents in Quang Binh province.“Police Say 40 Dead in Vietnamese Ferry Accident.” NBC NEWS. NBC NEWS, Jan. 2009. Web. 1 May 2016. According to Vietnamese News Agency, following the event, the Ministry of Transport suggested that the Chairman of Quang Binh region determine who was to blame for the tragedy.“Police Say 40 Dead in Vietnamese Ferry Accident.” NBC NEWS. NBC NEWS, Jan. 2009. Web. 1 May 2016. Some families of the victims were upset that the construction of a bridge was supposed to be finished two years before the accident. The bridge was to be constructed around one kilometer from the accident site and might have prevented the tragedy.“Grieving Relatives Blame Boat Mishap on Unfinished Bridge.” Vietnam Breaking News. Thanh Nien News, 28 Oct. 2012. Web. 1 May 2016. Phan Thanh Ha, provincial police chief of Quang Binh said, “Authorities will give 10 million dong ($600) to the families of each victim.”“Police Say 40 Dead in Vietnamese Ferry Accident.” NBC NEWS. NBC NEWS, Jan. 2009. Web. 1 May 2016. Gianh River is a river located in the Quang Binh region of Vietnam's North Central Coast. It is the biggest river in Quang Binh, so the residents call it the mother river. Gianh River's water can be clear and still, but its average steepness is 19.2%. So, throughout the flood season from September to November, the stream is brutal. According to the magazine Vietnam Heritage, “Quang Binh people say only those who have witnessed the crest of its floods know its power and ferocity.”“The Legendary Gianh River.” Vietnam Heritage. Vietnam Heritage, Jan. 2016. Web. 30 Apr. 2016. The river may be dangerous when it comes to flooding, and in 2009, 40 people died due to a boat capsizing. References 17.756943 106.381323 dms type:event title Gianh River boat accident Gianh River boat accident Category:Maritime incidents in Vietnam Category:Quảng Trị province Category:Transport disasters in Vietnam Category:Deaths due to shipwreck Category:Accidental deaths in Vietnam Category:January 2009 in Vietnam Category:2009 disasters in Vietnam