Devastating Tourist Boat Overturns in Vietnam Amidst Intense Storm Wipha
A passenger boat carrying 53 tourists capsized under severe weather as Storm Wipha approached Vietnam’s coastline, leading to a tragic loss of lives.
Incident Overview and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The mishap took place near Halong Bay, a popular tourist destination, at approximately 2pm local time (07:00 GMT) on Saturday. The vessel was overwhelmed by violent winds, heavy downpours, and lightning strikes linked to the storm advancing over the South China Sea.
Rescue teams successfully retrieved 11 survivors from the water and recovered 27 bodies,including eight children. Search operations continued late into the night in hopes of finding more missing passengers.
A Survivor’s Perspective
One of the rescued was a ten-year-old boy who recounted his terrifying ordeal: “I held my breath underwater and swam through an opening before surfacing. I shouted for help until soldiers pulled me onto their boat.”
Passenger Demographics and Group Composition
The majority aboard were families traveling from Hanoi, with over twenty children among them.Authorities have not yet released detailed facts regarding the nationalities of those involved in this tragedy.
Official Reactions and Investigation Measures
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham minh Chinh conveyed heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families following this calamity. Goverment officials committed to conducting a extensive inquiry into the causes behind the capsizing while promising stringent enforcement against any maritime safety violations.
The Importance of Halong Bay Tourism Amid Seasonal Weather Risks
Halong Bay draws millions each year due to its breathtaking emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone karsts draped with dense greenery. Though,this region remains highly susceptible during typhoon season; as a notable example,last year saw over 30 vessels sink near quang Ninh province after Typhoon Yagi unleashed destructive waves and fierce winds along these coastal waters.
The Broader Effects of Storm Wipha Across Northern Vietnam
- Torrential rainfall caused widespread tree falls throughout Hanoi-located roughly 175 kilometers from Halong Bay-resulting in significant urban disruptions.
- Noi Bai International Airport experienced operational challenges with nine inbound flights diverted elsewhere and three departures temporarily suspended due to adverse weather conditions on Saturday.
