On July 19, a tragic incident occurred when a tourist boat capsized off the coast of Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam, during severe weather conditions brought on by Storm Wipha. The boat, with 53 passengers aboard, began to overturn around 2 p.m. local time as symptoms of the storm—heavy rains, lightning, and strong winds—intensified. Within minutes, the vessel lost its GPS signal, complicating rescue efforts.
Authorities reported that, thus far, 34 bodies have been recovered, including eight children, with eight passengers still missing. The majority of those on board were tourists from Hanoi, although their specific nationalities were not disclosed. Rescuers managed to find 11 survivors amidst the chaotic scene.
The incident highlights the dangers associated with maritime tourism in inclement weather, especially in popular destinations like Hạ Long Bay, which draws tens of thousands of visitors annually for its scenic boat tours. As the storm continues to pose risks, it is expected to make landfall on Vietnam’s northern coast in the coming days, leading to ongoing disruptions.
Flight operations at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport were also affected; nine arriving flights were diverted, and three outbound flights were temporarily suspended due to the weather conditions. This situation underscores the far-reaching impacts of the storm beyond just the immediate maritime tragedy.
As rescue efforts continue, local authorities are prioritizing recovery operations while addressing the broader implications of Storm Wipha on travel and safety in Vietnam. The community mourns the loss of life in this tragic event, and emergency services are mobilizing to ensure the safety of remaining individuals impacted by the storm.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
