Tourist boat capsizes in Vietnam’s Halong Bay, resulting in multiple fatalities.
At least 27 individuals lost their lives following the capsizing of a tourist boat in Vietnam’s picturesque Halong Bay, an incident exacerbated by the adverse weather conditions brought on by Storm Wipha. The vessel, which was carrying 53 passengers, overturned around 2 PM local time on Saturday, as heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lightning were reported in the area.
Rescue operations swiftly mobilized, resulting in the recovery of 27 bodies, eight of whom were children, and the successful retrieval of 11 survivors, as reported by the state-run Vietnam News Agency. While the nationalities of the tourists aboard have not been officially disclosed, local media outlet VNExpress noted that many were families traveling from Hanoi, with over 20 children among the passengers.
The harrowing experiences of the survivors have emerged, including a 10-year-old boy who recounted his terrifying ordeal of swimming through the wreckage and signaling for help until he was rescued by soldiers. These stories underline the courage and resilience displayed during the traumatic incident.
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed profound condolences to the families affected by this tragedy. In a commitment to ensuring accountability, the government has announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, aiming to identify and address any violations that may have contributed to the disaster.
As a prominent tourist destination known for its stunning blue-green waters and limestone islands, Halong Bay attracts millions of visitors each year. However, the region’s susceptibility to severe weather events raises ongoing concerns about maritime safety. In a recent incident last year, 30 vessels sank in similar conditions during Typhoon Yagi, highlighting the importance of maintaining stringent safety measures in such challenging environments.
The impact of Storm Wipha extended beyond the waters of Halong Bay; it also caused disruptions in Hanoi, located approximately 175 kilometers away. Local authorities reported that trees were uprooted, and air travel was affected, leading to the diversion of nine incoming flights and the temporary grounding of three departing flights at Noi Bai Airport.
As Vietnam grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, efforts to bolster safety protocols and improve emergency response capabilities will be crucial for safeguarding the lives of tourists and residents alike in this beloved destination.
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