At Least 34 Dead After Tourist Boat Capsizes in Ha Long Bay During Sudden Thunderstorm
- Victor Nwoko
- Jul 20
- 2 min read
At least 34 people have died after a sightseeing boat named Wonder Seas capsized during a violent thunderstorm in Vietnam’s iconic Ha Long Bay on Saturday. The vessel, which was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members, overturned due to sudden strong winds and severe weather conditions, according to local authorities.
The disaster occurred while the boat was touring Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Quang Ninh Province known for its scenic limestone islands. The sudden storm brought torrential rain, thunder, lightning, and hailstones described by witnesses as “as big as toes,” dramatically reducing visibility and creating dangerous conditions on the water.
Rescue teams responded swiftly, saving 11 individuals and recovering 34 bodies near the site of the capsizing. A search operation remains ongoing for the remaining missing persons. Video footage from the scene showed several people standing atop the overturned hull of the Wonder Seas as they awaited rescue, while others were pulled from the water into small boats battling the rough seas.
Among the survivors was a 14-year-old boy who was rescued after being trapped inside the overturned hull for four hours. According to Bui Cong Hoan, deputy branch of the Ha Long Cruise Ship Association, the boy survived thanks to a 50–60 cm air pocket that allowed oxygen to circulate within the sealed cabin. Rescuers managed to break a window and extract the teenager, placing him safely onto a rescue boat.
A 10-year-old boy was also among those rescued and is reportedly in stable condition at Bai Chay Hospital, according to hospital director Le Ngoc Dung. Fifteen divers have been deployed to continue the underwater search for additional victims and possible survivors.
An eyewitness reported that the sky suddenly darkened around 2 p.m. local time, and within minutes the boat was caught in a violent storm that gave passengers little time to react.
There are no indications that any American citizens were aboard the vessel. The U.S. State Department acknowledged the incident and stated that it is monitoring the situation and prepared to provide consular assistance if necessary.
Ha Long Bay, meaning “Descending Dragon,” is one of Vietnam’s most celebrated natural landmarks, drawing tourists from around the world. The bay features over 1,600 limestone islands and islets, steeped in local folklore and geological wonder.
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