HA LONG BAY, Vietnam — A tragic boating accident occurred on Saturday afternoon as a sightseeing boat, the Wonder Sea, capsized during a sudden and severe thunderstorm. The incident has been reported to have resulted in the loss of 37 lives, with five additional individuals still missing, according to local state media.
The Wonder Sea was carrying a total of 48 passengers, along with five crew members, all of whom were Vietnamese. They were on a tour of Ha Long Bay, a renowned tourist destination known for its stunning seascapes and limestone islands. Reports indicate that strong winds caused the boat to overturn, leading to this devastating accident.
Emergency responders swiftly mobilized to provide assistance, managing to rescue 11 individuals from the water. Unfortunately, the death toll was confirmed as authorities revised earlier reports that had suggested 12 people had been saved. The recovery efforts were centered around the area where the boat capsized, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Among the rescued was a 14-year-old boy who endured a harrowing four hours trapped inside the overturned hull of the boat before being located. Most of the passengers were tourists hailing from Hanoi, with approximately 20 of them being children. The presence of young travelers adds to the tragedy, as families grapple with the aftermath of this disaster.
Adding to the concerns, a tropical storm named Storm Wipha is forecasted to approach Vietnam's northern region, which includes the coastline of Ha Long Bay, in the coming week. The weather conditions leading up to the capsizing have raised alarms about the safety of maritime activities in the area, prompting authorities to issue warnings to both local residents and tourists.
The tragic capsizing of the Wonder Sea serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers posed by sudden weather changes, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Ha Long Bay. As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on locating the missing individuals and providing support to the families affected by this heartbreaking event.
