In a devastating incident in Vietnam, at least 34 individuals lost their lives when a tourist boat capsized during a violent thunderstorm on Saturday. The local media has reported that eight more people are still unaccounted for.
The vessel, named The Wonder Sea, was on a sightseeing tour in Ha Long Bay, a renowned tourist destination, carrying 48 passengers along with five crew members, all of whom were Vietnamese nationals. The abrupt onset of the storm, characterized by intense winds, caused the boat to overturn unexpectedly.
Rescue efforts ongoing
According to reports from VNExpress, rescue teams successfully saved 11 individuals, while the bodies of 27 victims were recovered from the area surrounding the wreck, including eight children. Initially, the number of survivors was reported as 12, but this figure was later revised.
Most passengers aboard the boat were tourists from Hanoi, including 20 children. Among the fortunate survivors was a 14-year-old boy who endured four hours trapped in the submerged hull before being rescued.
Impact of Tropical Storm Wipha
This tragic event occurs in the wake of a new tropical storm, Wipha, which is on a trajectory towards northern Vietnam. This storm marks the third typhoon to affect the South China Sea this year and is anticipated to make landfall early next week.
The national meteorological center has issued warnings that the coastal region of Ha Long Bay could face severe impacts from the storm, complicating ongoing search and rescue operations.
Ha Long Bay, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is celebrated for its thousands of limestone islands and islets, alongside its stunning emerald waters. Each year, it draws tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe.