Ha long bay: Vietnamese authorities announced Sunday that at least 38 people have died and several were still missing after a tourist boat capsized in Vietnam during bad weather.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the accident occurred on Saturday afternoon when a sudden thunderstorm struck the vessel in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh province, with eleven passengers rescued and four others still missing.
The official statement by Quang Ninh provincial authorities confirmed that the tourist boat departed on a sightseeing trip with 53 people onboard, including 48 Vietnamese tourists and 5 crew members. The boat overturned near Ti Top Island just 50 minutes after departure when a storm disrupted the GPS system. This triggered an emergency response involving 27 vessels, rescue boats, the navy, border guards, and police.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha arrived at the scene to oversee rescue efforts, while Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh ordered a full review of maritime safety protocols in Ha Long Bay and demanded urgent action to address safety gaps.
Rescue officials reported that worsening weather conditions, including heavy rain and poor visibility, hindered operations in Ha Long Bay. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam's top tourist destinations with 2,000 limestone islands.