At least 35 people have been confirmed dead, and authorities are still searching for more victims after the vessel named Wonder Seas capsized during a violent storm. The boat was carrying 53 individuals, primarily Vietnamese families from Hanoi, when it encountered sudden severe weather, leading to the tragedy.
Reports indicate that a child was rescued from an air pocket within the flipped vessel, recounting the harrowing moment of survival as he swam to the surface. Despite rescue efforts, many families are in mourning; a mother expressed the depth of her grief upon losing her 21-year-old son, wishing for an impossible swap between their fates. An eyewitness described the onset of the storm, with dark skies quickly giving way to hail and lightning.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has extended condolences to the bereaved families and has promised a full investigation into the causes behind this catastrophic event, pledging accountability for any violations. The search for survivors was hampered by relentless rain and dangerous conditions, but efforts continued into the following days. Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning limestone islands and rich marine life, was slated to welcome millions of tourists prior to this unforeseen disaster.
