The incident occurred at 07.30am when the ferryboat was travelling from Quang Hai commune to Quang Tan commune in Quang Trach district. Most of the victims were women and children living in Quang Hai commune. They were travelling to a market nearby to prepare for the traditional lunar New Year holiday.

Rescue workers are searching for those still missing in the river.

On hearing of the incident, Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh sent deep condolences to the bereaved and asked the local authorities to take care of the injured and search for the missing.

The police have arrested the boat owner to identify the cause of the incident.