Divers are currently conducting extensive searches beneath the waves for the missing passengers and crew following a tragic incident where a sightseeing ship capsized in a squall in Halong Bay, a renowned tourist destination in Vietnam, on Saturday. As of now, at least 38 individuals aboard the vessel have been confirmed deceased. According to the state media outlet Vietnamnet, search and rescue efforts are still in full swing to locate those who remain unaccounted for.
The vessel, identified as the Wonder Sea, was reportedly carrying a total of 53 people, which included 48 tourists and five crew members, as stated by the local publication VN Express. A 64-year-old diver at the scene mentioned that much of the passenger area had been thoroughly searched. However, the cockpit and engine room are currently ensnared in mud, complicating access. Diver Đinh Khắc Giông expressed his belief that there are no more bodies within the passenger cabin but expressed concern that some bodies may have drifted away from the site.
Vietnam's government has confirmed that at least 38 of those on board have died, and 10 individuals have been successfully rescued, as reported by the Reuters news agency. The state-run Vietnam News Agency clarified that all tourists aboard the ship were Vietnamese nationals. The capsizing incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. local time (2:30 a.m. ET) when the ship was caught in a sudden storm, leading to its capsizing and subsequent loss of GPS signal, according to the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee.
In response to the incident, a coordinated effort has been launched involving the navy, border guards, police, and port authorities, with the deployment of 27 boats and two rescue crafts, as noted by VN Express. However, the ongoing heavy rain and poor visibility due to nightfall have significantly hampered rescue operations. Most of the passengers hailed from the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, and were traveling in family groups. The youngest passenger on board was just three years old, while the eldest was 53. Reports indicate that over 20 children were among those on the ship.
Reports from a local hospital indicate that a 10-year-old boy is in stable condition after sustaining multiple injuries. Furthermore, a 14-year-old boy managed to survive after being trapped inside the ship's sunken cabin for four hours, according to eyewitness accounts and statements from Bui Cong Hoan, the deputy head of the Ha Long Cruise Ship Association. The situation remains dire, as many families are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
One survivor, Dang Thuy Linh, who is currently recovering at a provincial hospital, shared her harrowing experience with state broadcaster VTV. “I have lost contact with my son, my husband, and my friend’s entire family,” she recounted, pleading for the rescue mission to accelerate. “Please don’t leave anyone behind on that boat. There is so little air left; the chances of survival are dwindling.”
The tragic capsizing reportedly took place near the Dau Go Cave, which is one of the largest caves in Halong Bay. This incident has not only shocked the local community but has also raised concerns about safety measures for tourist activities in such popular destinations.
As search and rescue operations continue, the nation mourns the loss of lives while hoping for the safe recovery of those still missing. The focus remains on providing support to the families affected by this tragic event.
