In This Article

  • Overview of the Tragedy
  • Details of the Incident
  • Rescue Operations and Survivors
  • Eyewitness Accounts and Weather Conditions
  • Government Response and Investigation
  • Impact on Ha Long Bay Tourism

Key Takeaways

  • A tourist boat named Wonder Seas capsized in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, resulting in at least 34 deaths and several others missing.
  • The incident occurred during severe weather, including heavy rain, hail, and lightning, which complicated rescue operations.
  • A 10-year-old boy survived by swimming to safety after being trapped in an air pocket inside the overturned vessel.
  • The boat was carrying 53 passengers, primarily Vietnamese families from Hanoi, when it was struck by a sudden storm.
  • Vietnamese authorities have pledged to investigate the cause of the accident and improve safety measures for tourists.

A devastating incident in Vietnam's renowned Ha Long Bay has left at least 34 people dead and several others missing after a tourist boat capsized amid treacherous weather conditions. The tragedy occurred on Saturday, with heavy rain and storms complicating rescue operations, according to officials.

The boat, named Wonder Seas, was carrying 53 passengers, primarily Vietnamese families from Hanoi, when it was struck by a sudden storm. Rescue teams have managed to save 11 individuals so far, including a 10-year-old boy who was trapped in an air pocket within the overturned vessel. The boy recounted his harrowing experience to local media, describing how he swam to safety after calling for help.

Eyewitnesses reported that the weather turned severe around 14:00 local time, with torrential rain, hailstones, and lightning. The Vietnamese Border Guards and navy confirmed the incident, stating that the boat capsized due to the storm. Among the victims recovered, at least eight were children, highlighting the heartbreaking toll of the disaster.

Rescue efforts are expected to continue throughout the night as teams work tirelessly to locate those still missing. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, while authorities have pledged to investigate the cause of the accident and address any violations.

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Quang Ninh province, is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations, drawing millions of visitors annually with its stunning limestone islets and scenic beauty. This tragic event has cast a shadow over the region, raising concerns about safety measures for tourists in the area.

Tags:

#Tourism #Rescue #Vietnam #Ha Long Bay #boat accident