At least 34 killed and 8 missing as tourist boat capsizes during sudden thunderstorm in Vietnam — State media VNA agency

At least 34 killed and 8 missing as tourist boat capsizes during sudden thunderstorm in Vietnam — State media VNA agency

[Ha Long Bay, Vietnam | July 19, 2025] — On Saturday afternoon, at least 34 people were killed when a tourist boat capsized amid a sudden thunderstorm in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Another 8 people remain missing, according to the country's state media.

The boat, named Wonder Sea, was carrying tourists sightseeing in Ha Long Bay when the accident occurred. There were 48 passengers and 5 crew members on board — all Vietnamese nationals.

According to VNExpress newspaper, rescuers were able to save 11 people alive from the site and have also recovered the bodies of the deceased. Initially, authorities reported rescuing 12 people, but later corrected that number to 11.

The newspaper reported that the boat overturned due to strong winds. A 14-year-old boy was rescued alive after being trapped inside the capsized boat for four hours.

Most of the passengers were tourists, including about 20 children. All of them had come from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the weather forecast warns that a tropical storm named Wipha is moving towards northern Vietnam, including Ha Long Bay, and may hit the coast in the coming week.