At least 37 people have died and five remain missing after the Wonder Sea sightseeing boat capsized in Vietnam's famous Ha Long Bay during a sudden thunderstorm on Saturday afternoon, local media report.
The vessel was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members, all from Vietnam, when strong winds caused it to overturn. Rescue teams pulled 11 survivors from the water, including a 14-year-old boy who was trapped in the hull for four hours before being rescued.
Early Sunday, the boat was brought ashore, and the bodies of three crew members were recovered inside the capsized vessel. Most passengers were tourists from Hanoi, with approximately 20 children among them.
Meteorologists warn that Storm Wipha is expected to hit northern Vietnam, including the coast of Ha Long Bay, next week, bringing more heavy winds and rain. Authorities are urging caution for all marine activities until conditions improve.
This tragic event highlights the unpredictable nature of weather in Vietnam's coastal regions and raises awareness about travel safety in rapidly changing conditions.
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37 dead after tourist boat capsizes in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay
cgtn.com
