Sudden thunderstorm overturns sightseeing boat carrying tourists, including children; rescue ops underway as storm Wipha approaches
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: A devastating boat tragedy struck Vietnam’s popular tourist destination Ha Long Bay on Saturday afternoon when the Wonder Sea sightseeing boat capsized during a sudden thunderstorm, killing 34 people and leaving seven others missing, according to reports from Vietnamese state media.
The vessel was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members during the cruise through the scenic limestone karst formations of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tragedy Unfolds Amid Sudden Storm
The boat overturned due to strong gusty winds, catching passengers and crew off guard. Emergency responders managed to rescue 12 people, including a 14-year-old boy who was trapped in the boat’s overturned hull and miraculously pulled out after four hours.
"The storm hit without warning, and the winds were powerful enough to capsize the boat within minutes," said a local official involved in the rescue operation.
Authorities recovered 34 bodies from the waters near the capsizing site, and a search operation is ongoing to locate the remaining seven missing individuals.
Children Among the Victims
According to initial information, most of the passengers were tourists, including about 20 children from Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. Their identities have not yet been released publicly. The tragic event has plunged families and tour organisers into shock and mourning.
Another Storm Approaching the Region
Adding to the concerns, Vietnam’s national weather service has issued a warning that Tropical Storm Wipha is moving toward the northern coast, including Ha Long Bay, and is expected to make landfall next week. Authorities have been urged to halt all tourist boat operations temporarily and strengthen safety protocols.
"We are entering a phase of unpredictable weather. Safety checks and storm preparedness will now be a top priority," a spokesperson for the Ha Long Bay Tourism Authority said.
Widespread Condolences and Safety Review
The Vietnamese government has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Safety regulations and enforcement surrounding tourist boat operations are expected to come under scrutiny in the coming days.
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