Ha Long Bay Tragedy: Tourist Boat Capsizes, Death Toll Rises to 36 with 3 Still Missing
A devastating tourist boat capsized in Vietnam's iconic Ha Long Bay on Saturday, July 19, 2025, claiming the lives of at least 36 people. Search and rescue operations are ongoing for three individuals who remain missing. This incident marks one of the deadliest maritime disasters in recent memory at the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Key Details:
Location: Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh province, northern Vietnam, near Đầu Gỗ Cave.
Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025, with the incident occurring around 1:30 PM local time.
Vessel: The tourist boat, identified as "Wonder Sea" (also known as "Vinh Xanh 58," registration QN-7105).
Cause: The boat was struck by a sudden and violent thunderstorm, bringing torrential rain, strong winds, and hail, which caused it to overturn rapidly. Survivors reported the event happened within seconds. While a tropical storm, Wipha, is approaching the region, officials have stated this localized thunderstorm was a separate weather phenomenon.
On Board: The vessel was carrying 46 passengers and three crew members, totaling 49 people. Initial reports varied, with some suggesting up to 53 people were on board. Most passengers were Vietnamese families, including approximately 20 children, from the capital city of Hanoi, on a sightseeing tour.
Casualties: As of July 21, 36 bodies have been recovered. Ten people were rescued, though one of them later died in the hospital, bringing the total number of survivors to nine. Three individuals are still missing. Among the deceased, at least eight were children, including a six-year-old boy whose body was found on Monday.
Rescue Efforts: Extensive search and rescue operations commenced immediately and continued through the night. Nearly 1,000 personnel and 100 vehicles were mobilized, involving military units, border guards, waterway police, naval special forces, and local search and rescue teams. The capsized boat was successfully towed ashore on Sunday morning.
Government Response: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh extended condolences to the victims' families and called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident's cause, vowing strict action against any violations found. Quang Ninh Province authorities are providing financial and transport assistance to the affected families.
This tragedy highlights the unpredictable nature of weather in the region and the critical importance of stringent safety measures for tourist vessels.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
