The authorities of Quang Ninh Province are conducting fire safety inspections of all tourism boats after 17 foreign visitors were rescued from a burning boat on December 25 in Halong Bay.

According to Quang Ninh Inland Waterway Port Authority, the Hoa Phuong Do Company boat was returning from Cat Ba Island. When it passed Reu Island, it was suddenly caught fire. It was carrying five crew, 17 foreign tourists, two local visitors and one tour guide.

The authorities and nearby boats quickly came to the rescue and no one was hurt. The second floor of the boat was badly damaged.

Nguyen Duc Long, chairman of Quang Ninh Province's People's Committee, ordered an investigation into the cause of the fire and halted the operation of all the boats operated by the Hoa Phuong Do Company.

He also asked police and firefighters to inspect fire prevention and safety system on all the tourism boats operating in the bay. Boats that fail to meet the requirement will not be allowed to operate.