The death toll from the Vietnam boat accident in Halong Bay has risen to 38, with several people still reported missing. The vessel, which capsized on Saturday afternoon, was carrying 48 Vietnamese tourists and 5 crew members. According to government sources, 10 people have been rescued as search and recovery operations continue.
The tragic incident occurred around 2 p.m. local time, just as Typhoon Wipha was approaching the region. Authorities said the capsizing was likely caused by strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning, although the conditions were attributed to prevailing wind patterns in the north, not the typhoon itself.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Weather in Halong Bay Capsizing
Dozens of rescue personnel, including border guards, navy divers, and police teams, have been deployed in Halong Bay. While the sea has calmed, limited visibility continues to hinder operations. The government confirmed that the sunken vessel has been retrieved.
All of the passengers on board were Vietnamese, including several children. Halong Bay, located roughly 200 km northeast of Hanoi, is one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors annually.
A similar tragedy in 2011 resulted in the deaths of 12 people, including foreign tourists. The latest Halong Bay capsizing marks one of the deadliest boating disasters in recent Vietnamese history.
