At least 38 people were killed and 12 rescued after a tourist cruise ship capsized in Vietnam's UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay on July 19, authorities confirmed. The vessel carrying 53 passengers and crew members encountered a sudden thunderstorm while navigating the popular limestone karst-studded waters of Quang Ninh Province.
Local emergency teams mobilized helicopters and boats in a multi-agency rescue operation that continued through the night. “This is one of the worst maritime accidents in recent memory for Vietnam’s tourism sector,” said Nguyen Van Son, head of Quang Ninh Province’s emergency response unit.
The incident has raised questions about safety protocols for Vietnam’s booming cruise tourism industry, which attracted over 4 million foreign visitors in 2023. Ha Long Bay, known for its emerald waters and 1,600 islands, remains closed to water traffic as investigations continue.
Tour operators across Asia are reviewing storm preparedness measures following the tragedy. Vietnam’s National Weather Center had issued thunderstorm warnings for northern coastal areas earlier in the day.
