On the evening of August 17, Hue City’s Department of Agriculture and Environment said it had sent an official document to the Department of Tourism, relevant agencies, boat-wharf management units, and businesses and individuals operating tourist boats on the Perfume River regarding allegations that the HUE-1239 boat had dumped waste into the river.

Earlier the same day, a video circulated on social media showing a tourist dragon boat docking near the bank of the Perfume River after serving passengers. Several people on board, believed to be staff members, were seen clearing tables and chairs and collecting empty beer cans and plastic bottles.

Notably, the video appeared to show them throwing cans and plastic bottles through the boat’s windows into the Perfume River. At the time, the riverbank was crowded with local residents and tourists.

The video drew widespread criticism after being posted online. Many viewers said dumping waste into the Perfume River polluted the environment and damaged both the landscape and Hue’s tourism image.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the case is being examined by the city’s Infrastructure Management and Operation Center and the Toa Kham Tourist Boat Wharf Management Board, in coordination with an inter-agency team led by the Department of Culture and Sports and the Thuan Hoa Ward People’s Committee.

The department asked the wharf management unit to provide relevant records and documents for the investigation and handling of possible violations involving the HUE-1239 boat. It also requested that the outcome be made public in accordance with regulations.

During the inspection, authorities must review whether the HUE-1239 meets all operating requirements. The Toa Kham Tourist Boat Wharf was instructed not to authorize the boat’s departure unless it fully complies with operating conditions, including environmental sanitation requirements.

Following the incident, the department reminded businesses, boat owners, crew members and service staff that dumping garbage or other waste into the Perfume River is prohibited. Boat owners are responsible for managing waste generated during operations.

The department also called on relevant authorities to step up inspections and enforcement involving tourist boats on the Perfume River to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

Also on August 17, Tran Thi Hoai Tram, director of Hue City’s Department of Tourism, said authorities had drawn up an official record of the incident and were taking further action. The results will be made public once the process is completed.

Ho Giap