Urgent Update: 34 Confirmed Dead in Vietnam Boat Capsize
BREAKING: A devastating incident in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam has claimed the lives of at least 34 people, with 8 individuals still missing, following the capsizing of the tourist boat Wonder Seas during a violent thunderstorm on July 19, 2025. Local authorities confirm that the vessel was carrying 48 passengers and 5 crew members when it capsized.
The storm struck unexpectedly, with reports indicating extreme weather conditions around 2 p.m. local time. Eyewitness accounts describe hailstones the size of “toes,” torrential rain, and fierce lightning. Rescue operations are currently underway, with teams working tirelessly to locate the missing.
Rescue workers have successfully saved 11 survivors, including a 14-year-old boy who was trapped for nearly four hours inside the overturned hull. “Even though the ship overturned and the passenger compartment was locked, there was still a gap of about 50-60 cm [20 to 24 inches], enough for oxygen to enter so the baby was still alive,” stated Bui Cong Hoan, deputy branch of the Ha Long Cruise Ship Association.
The Bai Chay Hospital reported that a 10-year-old boy is among those rescued and is currently in stable condition. Search efforts now include a team of 15 divers scouring the waters for additional victims.
The Wonder Seas was on a sightseeing excursion, a popular activity in the scenic Ha Long Bay, known for its limestone islands and natural beauty. This tragic event has raised urgent questions about safety measures for tourist operations in the region.
As rescue teams continue their efforts, local authorities urge anyone with information about the missing to come forward. The State Department has been contacted for confirmation regarding the presence of any American citizens on board.
This situation is developing rapidly, and updates will follow as more information becomes available. Share this story to keep others informed of this tragic event in Vietnam, and stay tuned for further updates.
