Vietnam tourist boat accident death toll rises to 38

The death toll from a tourist boat accident in Vietnam’s Halong Bay has risen to at least 38, with some individuals still missing. The vessel, carrying 48 tourists and five crew members, capsized on Saturday afternoon, marking one of the most severe boating incidents in the area. According to the government, 10 people have been rescued.

All the tourists on board were Vietnamese, including children. Rescue efforts involving border guards, navy personnel, police, and divers have been hampered by limited visibility due to weather conditions. Despite the challenges, rescuers have managed to recover the sunken boat.

The accident occurred around 2 p.m. local time on Saturday, coinciding with the arrival of Typhoon Wipha in the South China Sea. Although the weather was already harsh, it was not yet influenced by the approaching typhoon but was a result of wind patterns in the region.

Halong Bay, a popular tourist destination, is located about 200 km northeast of Hanoi and is known for its boat tours. In 2011, a similar incident in the bay claimed the lives of 12 people, including foreign tourists. Typhoon Wipha, the third storm in the South China Sea this year, is expected to hit Vietnam’s northern coast early next week.

According to the source: Business Recorder.