A tourist fell overboard while playing Pickleball on a Ha Long cruise ship on April 14th, 2025. Local authorities are investigating.
On April 16th, 2025, Quảng Ninh Province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism leaders stated that they are working with relevant agencies to investigate the incident. A tourist playing Pickleball on the deck of a cruise ship in Ha Long Bay fell overboard while attempting to retrieve a ball.
“This afternoon, the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s inspection team and sports management department summoned the cruise ship operator to the office for questioning and potential penalties. We will release further details later,” said a spokesperson.
A tourist playing pickleball on a Ha Long cruise ship fell overboard while trying to retrieve a ball. (Image cropped from video: D.X.)
A video circulating online showed two Pickleball players competing on the deck of a cruise ship on April 14th. The area was clearly marked for the game, with lines, nets, and spectator space set up.
Unfortunately, during a play, a tourist wearing a white shirt and patterned pants fell overboard.
The incident prompted concern among viewers regarding the safety of recreational activities on cruise ships navigating the sea.
Promotional materials for the Pickleball event, advertised on the organizer’s fanpage since April 10th, indicated that the event included a tour of Ha Long Bay, a buffet lunch, entertainment, and matches against international players like Tyson McGuffin, Jack Sock, and Alex Walker. The event was scheduled to take place from 3 PM to 9 PM on April 12th. The ticket price was listed as 1.2 million VND per person.
Quảng Ninh Inland Waterway Port Authority noted that organizing sporting activities on the deck of a moving vessel poses significant risks to maritime safety, especially without adequate safety precautions. Jumping overboard to retrieve a ball is considered a severe violation of inland waterway transport safety regulations.
The investigation into the incident continues.
