Competent agencies are working to find out the reason behind the sinking of an express boat during its journey from the southern beach city of Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City.

Express boat C3 was salvaged at 10:10 pm on Sunday, an official from the People’s Committee in Can Gio District confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

It was part of the route linking Ho Chi Minh City, outlying Can Gio District, and Vung Tau, located in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, which is operated by GreenlinesDP Company.

The ship was approaching Tac Suat Station in Can Gio District at around 8:00 am on the same day when it reportedly slammed into an unknown object before partially sinking.

Forty-two passengers on the boat were safely brought ashore.

Employees of GreenlinesDP also carried out prompt measures to prevent an oil leak.

According to Tran Song Hai, director of the company, the captain could not put the boat in reverse as it was about 300 meters away from the dock.

Crew members later noticed water leaking into the cabin before quickly evacuating all passengers and their belongings.

After salvaging the C3, local authorities discovered a hole in its hull and are continuing their investigation into the cause of the accident.

According to Tran Quang Lam, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport, the boat was first put into operation on April 30, 2016.

The maintenance of the ship has been carried out as per regulations, while its registry is still valid until September 22, Lam added.

The Ho Chi Minh City - Can Gio - Vung Tau express boat route was put into operation on February 10.

A journey between Bach Dang Wharf (District 1) to Tac Suat Station (Can Gio District) costs VND200,000 (US$9), while a trip from Tac Suat to Ho May in Vung Tau City costs VND100,000 ($4).

Passengers who are residents of Can Gio as well as public servants who regularly travel along the route are entitled to a 50 percent discount.

Disabled people and children under six years old are allowed to travel free-of-charge.

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