Accident Tragedy Strikes in Vietnam: Halong Bay Boat Capsize Leaves 36 Dead

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Photo courtesy of CNN

 

Vietnamese authorities are racing against time to rescue missing passengers after a sightseeing boat, the Wonder Sea, capsized in Halong Bay on Saturday. The tragic accident, which claimed at least 36 lives, comes as the region braces for Typhoon Wipha.

 

The vessel was carrying 53 individuals, including 48 tourists and five crew members, when it encountered a sudden squall around 1.30 p.m. local time. Among those on board, ten have been rescued, though three remain unaccounted for.

 

Search operations face challenging conditions as emergency teams, comprising the navy, border guards, police, and port authorities, scoured the area with 27 boats and two rescue crafts. Efforts are hampered by heavy rain and declining visibility as night approaches.

 

Divers have been tirelessly navigating the sunken vessel. A 64-year-old diver, Đinh Khắc Giông, reported, “The passenger cabin is clear, but mud makes accessing the cockpit and engine room difficult.”

 

One heartrending discovery was the body of a six-year-old boy, located near a nearby island. Most passengers hailed from Hanoi, with the youngest being just three years old.

 

The vessel's GPS signal was lost during the storm, contributing to the difficulties faced in coordinating the rescue efforts. Survivors recount harrowing experiences, including a 14-year-old boy who survived four hours trapped in a submerged cabin.

 

State media interviewed Dang Thuy Linh, a survivor recovering in a provincial hospital. "I have lost contact with my son, my husband, and a friend's family," she shared emotionally. "We need urgent action to save those left behind."

 

Among the survivors, a 10-year-old boy is in stable condition despite suffering multiple injuries. The community remains on edge, as families anxiously await news of missing loved ones.

 

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning limestone islands, has long been a magnet for tourists. However, this incident serves as a grim reminder of nature's unpredictability.

 

Authorities continue their search, hoping against hope to find the remaining missing persons. As rescue operations persist, the focus remains on bringing closure to affected families and learning from this tragedy to prevent future incidents.

 

Financial support for the victims' families is being considered, with an outpouring of sympathy and assistance from the local community. In times of such sorrow, solidarity becomes vital.

 

As Typhoon Wipha looms, the race against time underscores the precariousness faced by both rescuers and families alike. The world watches with bated breath, hoping for miracles amid the devastation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-07-21