Search and rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate missing passengers and crew members following the tragic capsizing of a sightseeing ship in Halong Bay, Vietnam, amid a sudden storm on Saturday. The vessel, known as the Wonder Sea, had 53 individuals on board, including 48 tourists and five crew members, with reports indicating that at least 34 bodies have been recovered, while another 11 individuals have been rescued.
As efforts continue, state media outlet Vietnamnet reported that local authorities are intensifying their search for the remaining missing persons. A diver involved in the search indicated that most of the passenger area had been thoroughly searched, but challenges remain as the cockpit and engine room are buried in mud, complicating access. It remains uncertain if more bodies may have drifted away from the wreckage.
The capsizing incident occurred shortly after 1:30 PM local time, sending shockwaves through the usually serene and picturesque Halong Bay, known for its stunning limestone islands and islets. The nationalities of the passengers have not yet been disclosed, although it is known that many hailed from Hanoi, traveling mostly as families. Tragically, the youngest passenger was just three years old, while over 20 children were aboard.
Among the survivors, a 10-year-old boy is reported to be in stable condition after suffering multiple injuries, and a 14-year-old boy was rescued after being trapped inside the ship’s sunken cabin for four hours. The emotional toll of the incident is palpable, as evidenced by a survivor’s plea for the swift continuation of rescue operations. A woman named Dang Thuy Linh, recovering from the ordeal, expressed her frantic concern for her missing family members, urging for urgency from rescue teams.
The rescue operations have been met with challenges due to heavy rain and diminishing visibility as night fell, prompting the mobilization of navy, border guards, police, and port authority personnel who are utilizing 27 boats and two rescue crafts to aid in the recovery efforts.
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, and this incident marks a somber event for both locals and the tourism sector. The community is rallying around the hope that all remaining individuals will be found safely.
The ongoing search and rescue mission reflects the dedication of teams working to ensure that no one is left behind, highlighting a collective spirit of support in the face of this tragedy.