Ha Long Bay, Vietnam A sudden downpour on Saturday turned a routine cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage site into a life-or-death ordeal. A tourist boat carrying 48 passengers and 5 crew capsized amid heavy rain and rough waves, leaving 18 confirmed dead and dozens missing.
"Border guards rescued 12 people and recovered 18 bodies," reported VNExpress. Most on board were families visiting from the capital Hanoi, including over 20 children.
The incident highlights how rapidly shifting weather can threaten small vessels in Ha Long Bay’s dramatic karst landscape. With dozens of tours running daily, experts say real-time weather alerts and stricter safety protocols are crucial to protect visitors.
Local authorities have launched extensive search-and-rescue operations, deploying patrol boats and helicopters across the bay. As families await news of the missing, Vietnam’s tourism sector faces urgent questions about balancing visitor demand with robust emergency planning.
For travelers, the tragedy is a stark reminder to check forecasts and choose operators committed to safety measures before setting sail on this iconic seascape.
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18 dead, dozens missing as Ha Long Bay tourist boat capsizes
cgtn.com
