Ha Long Bay. Photo: Shutterstock At least 34 people were killed yesterday (Saturday) after a tourist boat capsized and sank in Ha Long Bay, located in northern Vietnam. This area is one of the country's popular tourist destinations and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
According to local authorities, the boat was carrying about 53 people, including local tourists, crew members, and children.
Authorities report that the disaster occurred during a sudden thunderstorm that resulted in particularly rough seas.
The boat lost control and capsized within minutes.
Among the fatalities are children, and by late evening, it was reported that 11 passengers were rescued alive, including a 14-year-old boy who survived hours by an air bubble trapped under the boat. The boy's condition is stable.
Vietnamese authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident. Meanwhile, rescue teams and the coast guard continue to operate in the area to locate additional missing persons.
Many boats, helicopters, and special emergency units were rushed to the scene.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Transport issued an official statement saying, "This is a tragic event that occurred at one of the country's major tourist spots. Existing procedures will be reviewed, and we will work to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in the future."
Ha Long Bay attracts millions of tourists each year and is considered a highlight of Vietnamese tourism. An event like this can have widespread implications for the tourism sector in the region.
This is not the first time a fatal maritime accident has occurred in the area. In recent years, several similar events have taken place, but this is the most severe tragedy in the past decade.
Local authorities have called on vessel operators to strengthen safety protocols and improve their ability to respond to extreme weather conditions, particularly during transitional seasons and times of increased tourist traffic.