Tragedy Strikes in Halong Bay: Tourist Boat Capsizes Amid Storm Wipha
Halong Bay, Vietnam – A tragic incident unfolded Saturday afternoon as a tourist boat carrying 53 people capsized in stormy weather linked to Storm Wipha. The boat overturned around 2 PM local time (07:00 GMT) as adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning, began to batter the area.
Rescue teams managed to locate 11 survivors amid the wreckage and recovered 27 bodies, including eight children, according to the state-run Vietnam News Agency. Most passengers were families visiting the renowned tourist destination from nearby Hanoi, with reports indicating that over 20 children were onboard.
A 10-year-old boy among the survivors described his harrowing escape to state-run VietnamNet, recounting how he swam through a gap and called for help before being rescued by soldiers.
Efforts to locate other missing individuals continued into the night, with Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressing condolences to the victims’ families. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the incident, pledging to address any violations that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Halong Bay, known for its scenic beauty with blue-green waters and limestone islands, attracts millions of visitors each year. This incident marks a grim reminder of the risks inherent in maritime tourism, especially during severe weather events.
Last year, the region faced similar issues when 30 vessels sank due to Typhoon Yagi’s violent weather, raising questions about safety measures for tourists.
Additionally, Storm Wipha affected surrounding areas, including Hanoi, where fallen trees disrupted air travel, leading to diversions and delays at Noi Bai Airport.
As the investigation unfolds, the nation mourns the loss of lives while emphasizing the need for improved safety protocols in its popular tourist regions.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
