State President Truong Tan Sang on March 17 cabled a message of condolences to Myanmar’s President Thein Sein over the ferry accident on March 13 leaving nearly 60 people dead.

On the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung offered sympathies to the Myanmar’s President.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh also sent condolences to Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin.

The crowded government-run double-decker ferry was carrying more than 225 passengers when it left the coastal town of Kyaukphyu on March 13. The ferry had travelled about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north near Myebon in Rakhine state when it hit rough seas and capsized after taking on water. Many passengers remained unaccounted for.-VNA