Tragedy in Vietnam: Thunderstorm Capsizes Tourist Boat
An unexpected thunderstorm hit Vietnam on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of 34 individuals and the capsizing of a tourist boat. The vessel, known as Wonder Sea, was carrying 48 passengers along with five crew members when the incident occurred during the NPR’s Harvey tour.
Reports indicate that eight individuals are still unaccounted for. The situation escalated quickly when strong winds led to the boat capsizing, causing urgent rescue efforts to be implemented.
According to local sources like VNExpress, rescuers managed to save 11 people while recovering the deceased at the site of the capsizing, which happened around 1:30 PM local time. The boat reportedly lost GPS signal shortly thereafter. Authorities, including local police and naval units, rushed to the scene with numerous boats and rescue crafts.
The majority of the passengers were from Hanoi and included several families, with over 20 children on board. The youngest was just three years old. Unfortunately, the heavy rain and diminishing light hindered rescue operations, making it a race against time.
As of 9 PM local time, rescue teams were still unable to save anyone else, although they did recover six more bodies, bringing the total fatalities to 34. A 10-year-old boy was one of the survivors, suffering multiple injuries, but he is reported to be in stable condition at Bai Chay Hospital.
Bui Cong Hoan, a member of the HA Long Cruise Ship Association, shared that a 14-year-old boy managed to survive for four hours underwater due to air pockets that formed in the sunken vessel. The crew had to break a window to bring him to safety.
The Wonder Sea was certified for technical safety and environmental protection in January 2025 and was built in 2015, licensed to carry a maximum of 48 passengers.
In a poignant interview, survivor Dang Thuy Linh expressed deep concern for her loved ones who are still missing. “I have lost contact with my son, husband, and my friends’ family,” she shared emotionally. “I just want everyone to hurry and find them. The air is running out; we need to act fast.”
