Dozens of people went missing today (Apr. 6) as a boat participating in the Nghinh Ong (Whale Worshipping) Festival off the coast of Bac Lieu Province capsized, search and rescue forces have reported.

The boat was one of about 200 participating in the festival parade when it unexpectedly capsized eyewitnesses told rescue forces.  

Some people made it out of the water on their own or with the help of locals but many others have drowned or remain unaccounted for, rescuers said, adding there are widely conflicting reports regarding casualties.

VOV