A tragic boating accident in Vietnam's UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay has claimed 37 lives after a sudden thunderstorm capsized a tourist vessel on Saturday. The Wonder Sea boat, carrying 48 passengers and five crew members, sank during a sightseeing tour of the iconic limestone karst landscape, according to VNExpress.
Rescue teams saved 11 people, including a 14-year-old boy who survived four hours trapped in the overturned hull. Five individuals remain missing as recovery efforts continue. Most passengers were tourists from Hanoi, with about 20 children reported among the group.
Authorities attributed the disaster to powerful winds preceding Tropical Storm Wipha, which is forecast to hit northern Vietnam next week. The vessel was later towed ashore Sunday, revealing three crew members' bodies inside.
This incident highlights growing concerns about extreme weather impacts on Southeast Asia's tourism industry, particularly during monsoon season. Ha Long Bay attracts over 7 million visitors annually, making marine safety protocols critical for Vietnam's $32 billion tourism sector.
