Vietnam: Tourist Boat Overturns Killing 35 People Including Children
A tourist boat in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay sank during a sudden storm, killing over 35 people and raising serious questions about safety and weather alerts.
A tourist boat named Wonder Sea flipped over in Ha Long Bay, a popular tourist spot and UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Vietnam, after a sudden and powerful thunderstorm hit the area.
The storm came without any official warning. It brought heavy rain and strong winds blowing up to 100 km/h. The Wonder Sea was on a sightseeing trip when the weather suddenly changed. Within just 2 minutes, the boat overturned, giving no time for passengers to react.
There were around 53 people on board. So far, 35 bodies have been found—most of them were Vietnamese families, including children. About 11 people were rescued, and the rest are still missing.
Even though many passengers were wearing lifejackets, the speed and strength of the storm made it difficult for them to escape. Some survivors said they found air pockets inside the overturned boat, while others held onto floating objects until help arrived.
Rescue teams—including the Vietnamese Navy, border guards, local divers, and fishermen—worked day and night to find more survivors. However, their work was delayed due to rough seas and low visibility.
One heartbroken mother, whose 21-year-old son died in the accident, said, “All I want to do is die. I wish I could take his place.”
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his sadness over the accident. He asked for a quick emergency response and offered financial help to the affected families. Many people across the country have also come forward to donate and support those in need.
This incident is now being called one of the worst sea accidents in Ha Long Bay in recent years.
Reports say the boat was not overloaded and had cleared safety checks in January 2025. But many are now asking why there were no proper weather alerts, emergency training, or early warning systems in place.
As Ha Long Bay continues to attract millions of tourists every year, people are demanding stronger safety rules, better storm warning systems, and stricter boat checks—especially during the monsoon season.
