Tragedy in Vietnam: Death Toll Hits 37 After Cruise Ship Capsizes
Tragedy in Ha Long Bay
A devastating tragedy struck Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay on Saturday when the Wonder Sea cruise ship, carrying 48 passengers and five crew members, capsized during a sudden thunderstorm, claiming at least 37 lives, including eight children.
The UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its emerald waters and limestone islands, saw the vessel overturn around 1:30 p.m. local time due to fierce winds and heavy rain, losing GPS contact by 2:05 p.m., according to the Vietnam News Agency.
Rescue operations, involving navy, border guards, police, and 27 boats, have saved 11 survivors, including a 10-year-old boy treated at Bai Chay Hospital and a 14-year-old rescued after four hours trapped in an air pocket within the sunken cabin.
Also Read: Thunderstorm Horror: Tourist Boat Capsizes in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, 18 Dead, 23 Missing!
Five passengers remain missing as heavy rain and poor visibility hamper efforts. Most victims were Vietnamese families from Hanoi, with over 20 children on board.
The storm, unrelated to Tropical Storm Wipha approaching the South China Sea, followed days of intense heat, creating unstable conditions, per Vietnam’s National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting.
The incident disrupted air travel, with Noi Bai Airport diverting nine flights. Authorities are investigating the cause and safety compliance of the 24-meter vessel, built in 2015 and licensed for 48 passengers.
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