In a heartbreaking incident, at least 34 bodies have been recovered following the capsizing of a tourist boat in Halong Bay, Vietnam, on Saturday. The local media, VN Express, reported that another 11 individuals have been rescued as search and rescue operations continue for the remaining missing persons. The vessel, named the Wonder Sea, was carrying a total of 53 people, which included 48 tourists and 5 crew members.
The nationalities of those on board have not yet been disclosed. According to VN Express, the tragic event occurred around 1:30 p.m. local time (2:30 a.m. ET) when the ship encountered a sudden storm, leading to its capsizing. Following the incident, the vessel lost its GPS signal, complicating the ongoing rescue efforts, as reported by the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee.
In response to the disaster, a coordinated rescue effort has been initiated, comprising the navy, border guards, police, and port authorities. A total of 27 boats and 2 rescue crafts have been deployed to the scene to aid in the search. However, challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain and reduced visibility due to nightfall, are hampering these operations.
Most of the passengers hailed from Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, and were traveling as families. The ages of the passengers varied significantly, with the eldest being 53 years old and the youngest just 3 years old. VN Express further reported that over 20 children were among those on board. A local hospital director indicated that a 10-year-old boy remains in stable condition after sustaining multiple injuries. Additionally, a 14-year-old boy survived a harrowing experience, having been trapped inside the ship’s sunken cabin for four hours, according to eyewitness accounts and Bui Cong Hoan, deputy head of the Ha Long Cruise Ship Association.
As the rescue operations continue, a 64-year-old diver at the scene reported that much of the ship’s passenger area has already been searched. However, he noted that the cockpit and engine room remain obstructed by mud, making access to these areas more difficult. Diver Đinh Khắc Giông expressed his concerns, stating, “As of now, I am certain there are no more bodies in the passenger cabin. I only worry that some bodies may have drifted outside.” The capsizing incident reportedly took place near the renowned Dau Go Cave, one of the largest caves in Halong Bay.
As rescue efforts persist, the community and authorities remain hopeful for the safe recovery of those still missing in this tragic accident.
