PM orders rapid search, rescue of helicopter crash victims
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has signed a Prime Minister’s dispatch ordering relevant ministries, agencies and localities to take measures and mobilise forces and vehicles to conduct fastest and most effective search and rescue activities for the victims of a helicopter crash in Ha Long Bay area of northern Quang Ninh province.
In April 6 morning, more than 200 people and 30 vehicles of all kinds were mobilised for search and rescue activities (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) –Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has signed a Prime Minister’s dispatch orderingrelevant ministries, agencies and localities to take measures and mobilise forcesand vehicles to conduct fastest and most effective search and rescue activitiesfor the victims of a helicopter crash in Ha Long Bay area of northern Quang Ninhprovince.
The dispatch clarifiedthat a Bell-505 helicopter, owned by the Northern VietnamHelicopter Company under the Vietnam Helicopter Corporation, got an accident atabout 5:06pm on April 5 in the sea area of Gia Luan commune, Cat Hai districtof Hai Phong city while carrying four Vietnamese tourists on a sightseeingtour of Ha Long Bay.
In the dispatch, the Ministry of National Defence is tasked to investigate into the incident,reviewing all flight control procedures, fixing shortcomings and ensuringutmost safety for flights, while supporting the pilot’s family.
The National Committeeon Incident and Disaster Response, Search and Rescue is requested to follow upsearch and rescue activities, mobilising forces and vehicles for the work.
As of the end of April 5, the body of the pilot and two other victims had been found (Photo: VNA)
Meanwhile, theChairmen of Hai Phong city and Quang Ninh province are asked to coordinate withthe Ministry of National Defence during search and rescue activities, while settlingthe consequences of the incidents, supporting the victims’ facilities and callingfor assistance from vessels operating in the area in seeking the victims.
At the same time, theMinistry of Transport is directed to provide support in forces, vehicles andnecessary equipment for search and rescue activities.
On April 5 night, theTraffic Police Department sent two working groups with 21 officers and three vessels to the site to search for the victims.
As of the end of April5, the body of the pilot and two other victims had been found.
In April 6 morning,more than 200 people and 30 vehicles of all kinds were mobilised for searchand rescue activities./.
A pilot flight for a new helicopter tour known as "Ho Chi Minh City From Above" in conjunction with emergency services was launched by the municipal Department of Tourism in coordination with Military Hospital 175 and the Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South) on April 12.
Indonesian authorities said on November 28 that at least one crew was killed after a helicopter operated by police sank in the waters off the western province of Bangka Belitung.
A Bell-505 helicopter coded VN-8650, owned by the Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company under the Vietnam Helicopter Corporation, took off at 4:56pm and lost contact at 5:15pm on April 5 while carrying four Vietnamese tourists on a sightseeing tour of Ha Long Bay from above.
Vietnam has over 4.8 million people exposed to AO/dioxin, including hundreds of thousands in the second, third, and even fourth generations. Many live with severe disabilities, facing high medical costs and loss of earning capacity.
Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang reaffirmed that amnesty is a humanitarian policy of the Party and State, reflecting the Vietnamese tradition of compassion and winning attention and high praise both domestically and internationally.
Vietnam officially grants limited-term visa-free entry to high-profile foreigners whose presence is deemed beneficial to the country’s socio-economic development.
With support from the Vietnamese Association in Ufa, Vietnamese language classes for children have been offered for many years. Currently, 60 children of various ages are attending two classes taught by Duc Anh, free of charge.
Vietnam ranked among the top four countries and territories at the 2025 International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), reaffirming its strong position in international academic competitions.
All 20 crew members aboard the Vietnamese oil tanker GT Unity were successfully rescued from a fire in the vessel’s engine room, thanks to the swift response of the Liberian-flagged ship Androusa and Vietnamese maritime rescue teams.
Describing Agent Orange as one of the most severe and enduring legacies of the war in Vietnam, Vietnam's former Honorary Consul to Belgium Joseph-Michel de Grand Ry warned that its impact – still affecting generations more than five decades later – could last another two to three decades.
Running from August 4 to September 2, under the hashtag #TuHaoVietNam, the campaign invites participants in two categories: “I Love My Country” video clips and “I Love My Country” check-in photos.
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on the issuance date, introduces amendments that integrate the procedure for reporting and explaining the demand for foreign workers into the process of submitting applications for work permits.
With a tight 13-month deadline, the move is under a strategic and urgent policy to bridge educational gaps, train the local workforce, and shore up territorial sovereignty in some of the country’s most remote areas.
The parade and personnel send-off ceremony will officially take place on August 10 at the area surrounding the Statue of King Ly Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang street of Hoan Kiem ward, with the participation of nearly 3,000 officers, soldiers, and local residents.
According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety.
The activities include a Vietnamese language teaching training course for overseas Vietnamese teachers from August 13 to 28 in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thai Nguyen.
Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the mobile vessels return to Tuan Chau island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness.
The Ministry of Construction (MoC) plans to open to traffic 208km of expressways of six key projects by August 19, bringing the country’s total expressway network to 2,476km.
As of July 1, a two-tier local government model started in 34 provinces and cities, streamlining administration but creating a surplus of public properties. If not promptly addressed, these assets could become a financial burden.
Whether they grow up to become journalists, diplomats, or professionals in other fields, these children can one day become bridges of friendship and cooperation, telling new and inspiring stories of Vietnam – China relations, said Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh.
A 21-year-old Indian tourist was successfully resuscitated and treated by doctors at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital after a near-drowning incident left him in critical condition. After three days of intensive care, the man was discharged from the hospital and has since returned to India.
In an document issued on August 5, the PM emphasised the need to stablise living conditions for people hit by floods, landslides, and flash floods in late July and early August in northern and north-central provinces, especially Dien Bien, Son La, and Nghe An which suffered some of the worst damage.
Although millions of Vietnamese were affected by AO, only over 626,000 individuals, including war veterans and their children suffering from dioxin-related conditions, are currently receiving state benefits.
In April 6 morning, more than 200 people and 30 vehicles of all kinds were mobilised for search and rescue activities (Photo: VNA) 
As of the end of April 5, the body of the pilot and two other victims had been found (Photo: VNA) 
