Tourist boat owners in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, are currently facing significant challenges due to a shortage of salvage services available to recover vessels damaged and sunk by Typhoon Yagi (No. 3). As the boats remain underwater at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port, the damage worsens with each passing tide.

During high tide, many boats are almost completely submerged, only to be partially exposed when the tide recedes, still battered by the salty sea. Temporary shelters have been erected by the dock to allow owners and staff to guard their assets around the clock.

The boat owners share a common desire for more salvage companies to step in and expedite the recovery process. "Each additional day submerged results in greater damage," noted a local boat owner, expressing the collective urgency.

Bui Van Tuyen, owner of the Indochine Ha Long boat team, has been waiting for salvage operations for 20 days now. His fleet suffered considerable losses, with four boats submerged at the storm's peak.

"The delay is due to a scant number of salvage operators. Plus, the sheer volume of damaged boats has created a long queue," Tuyen explained. He further detailed the financial strain, noting that salvage costs per boat range from VND 50 to 80 million, in addition to daily expenses for the workers involved.

"The salvage operations are heavily dependent on the tide. On a good day, we can recover one boat; otherwise, it might take two days," Tuyen added. After recovery, extensive repairs are necessary, adding to the costs, which he estimates exceed VND 10 billion in losses.

Recently, during the 21st session of the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Council, resolutions were passed to support part of the salvage costs for registered boats affected by the typhoon.

The support includes VND 50 million for boats longer than 12 meters and VND 15 million for those 6-12 meters in length. However, boats that were not in compliance with storm prevention regulations or that had insurance coverage are not eligible for this aid.