At least 35 people have been confirmed dead and others remain unaccounted for following the capsizing of a tourist boat in Vietnam's picturesque Ha Long Bay.
Tragedy Strikes in Ha Long Bay as Tourist Boat Capsizes, Claiming 35 Lives
Tragedy Strikes in Ha Long Bay as Tourist Boat Capsizes, Claiming 35 Lives
A devastating accident in Ha Long Bay highlights the dangers of sudden storms while on the water.
The Wonder Seas boat was carrying 53 passengers, primarily Vietnamese families visiting from Hanoi, when it capsized amid a sudden storm that struck on Saturday afternoon. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the weather turned drastic, with hailstones and heavy rain contributing to the tragedy.
Local assistance teams reported that at least 10 individuals had been successfully rescued from the water, while the search for missing persons continues amid challenging conditions and heavy rain. The vessel went down after it encountered violent weather, which included thunderstorms and reduced visibility, leading to confusion among the passengers and crew.
Grief and despair enveloped the families of victims, with one mother mourning her 21-year-old son, expressing her heartbreaking wish to trade places. "I don't want anything in this world anymore, I'm so tired," said Nguyen Thi Lien. Another relative, Trang Trung Tu, recounted the shock of losing his 32-year-old brother so suddenly, despite the latter's swimming ability.
Among the survivors was a 10-year-old boy who managed to escape an air pocket within the capsized vessel. His rescue provided a glimmer of hope amidst the unfolding tragedy, as he recounted his struggle to reach the surface and call for help. Tragically, reports confirm that at least eight of the deceased were children.
Authorities, including Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, have expressed condolences to the bereaved families and pledged a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident. The government emphasized that necessary action will be taken against any violations that may have led to this disaster.
Ha Long Bay, known for its stunning limestone islands and rich biodiversity, welcomed around four million tourists in 2019. As investigations unfold and the search for survivors continues, the community and the nation mourn the lives tragically lost in this untimely disaster.
