HANOI/HALONG BAY – On July 19, a tourist vessel named Wonder Sea carrying 53 people (48 passengers and 5 crew) capsized around 14:00 local time in Halong Bay, Quang Ninh province, as Storm Wipha approached Vietnam across the South China Sea. Rescuers reported at least 34 fatalities and 11 survivors, including two boys aged 10 and 14, who endured harrowing conditions inside the overturned hull. Eight individuals remain missing.

Children Among the Victims and Heroes

Among those lost are over 20 children, the majority of whom were on a family trip from Hanoi. A 10-year-old survivor described his ordeal: “I took a deep breath… swam up… shouted for help, then I was pulled up by a boat with soldiers.” Another 14-year-old was rescued after remaining trapped in an air pocket under the hull for four hours.

Rescue Challenges and Weather Disruption

Substantial rescue efforts were immediately launched, involving 27 boats, divers, border guards, and military responders. However, the search was significantly hampered by storm conditions—including torrential rain, hail, and lightning .

Meanwhile, the storm impacted nearby Hanoi, toppling trees and forcing flight diversions and delays at Noi Bai International Airport due to strong winds and low visibility.

Government Response and Ongoing Investigation

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed deep condolences and issued directives for immediate action from the Ministries of Defense and Public Security. Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation to determine the specific causes and to hold accountable any parties found responsible.

A Warning at a Valued Tourist Site

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, draws millions of visitors annually to its scenic limestone karsts and emerald waters. Yet, it is also increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events. In the last year alone, 30 vessels sank in nearby coastal areas during Typhoon Yagi. Storm Wipha, the third major typhoon affecting the South China Sea this year, is expected to make landfall on Vietnam’s northern coast in the coming week.

Government to enhance safeguarding measures

With search and rescue ongoing, the Vietnamese government is under pressure to enhance maritime safety protocols, weather warning systems, and tourist safeguarding measures. Lessons from this disaster may be critical to preventing future tragedies amid growing climate volatility.

Sources: Al Jazeera, AP News – Photo: Vietnam News Agency