A devastating incident unfolded as Storm Wipha moved toward Vietnam, causing a tragic capsizing of a tourist boat.
In a heart-wrenching accident in Halong Bay, Vietnam, at least 27 individuals lost their lives when a tourist vessel overturned amid inclement weather conditions, exacerbated by the approaching Storm Wipha.
The boat, which was carrying 53 passengers, capsized at approximately 2 PM local time (07:00 GMT) on Saturday, as violent winds, heavy rains, and lightning enveloped the region.
According to reports from the state-run Vietnam News Agency, rescue personnel managed to locate 11 survivors and recover 27 bodies, including eight children. The majority of those on board were families vacationing from Hanoi, with over 20 children among the group, as highlighted by VNExpress.
A 10-year-old boy among the survivors recounted his narrow escape to VietnamNet, stating, “I took a deep breath, swam through a gap, dived, then surfaced. I shouted for help, and was eventually picked up by soldiers in a boat.”
Search and rescue efforts continued late into the night, with teams working tirelessly to locate any remaining missing individuals.
Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
A government statement emphasized that authorities would thoroughly investigate the incident to determine its causes and identify any violations that occurred.
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction, draws millions each year to its stunning turquoise waters and limestone islands shrouded in rainforests.
Notably, last year, 30 boats sank in similar circumstances in coastal Quang Ninh province due to Typhoon Yagi’s fierce winds and waves.
Weather conditions associated with Storm Wipha also caused significant disruptions in Hanoi, located 175 km (110 miles) away, leading to fallen trees and interrupted air travel. Noi Bai Airport reported that nine incoming flights were rerouted, and three outgoing flights faced temporary delays on Saturday.