A devastating boat accident unfolded on July 19, 2025, when the Wonder Sea tourist vessel overturned during a violent thunderstorm in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. At least 34 people, including multiple children, lost their lives, while eleven survivors have been rescued—including a 14-year-old boy who endured nearly four hours trapped in an air pocket under the hull.
The vessel, carrying 48 passengers and five crew members—all reportedly Vietnamese—capsized around 1400 local time amid hail, torrential rain, lightning, and hurricane-force winds tied to Storm Wipha. Rescue operations deployed 27 boats, two rescue crafts, and divers. Survivors include a 10-year-old boy hospitalized in stable condition and the 14-year-old freed from beneath the overturned hull.
Vietnamese authorities report that seven people remain missing, with search efforts hampered by deteriorating weather. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued an urgent directive for intensified rescue operations and formal condolences to the victims’ families.
Ha Long Bay is a major tourist magnet and UNESCO World Heritage site known for its scenic islands and ferry traffic. Accidents during sudden storms are a major concern, prompting authorities to assess emergency protocols and enforce stricter weather warnings for tour operators.
Locals report the storm struck swiftly, with witnesses describing conditions turning perilous in minutes: “hailstones as big as toes,” followed by torrential rain and lightning. The Wonder Sea lost its GPS signal and overturned near Dau Go Cave, a routine sightseeing stop.
The tragedy again highlights safety challenges in Vietnam’s marine tourism sector. Similar incidents in the past, including typhoon-related capsize events, raise questions about vessel design, weather monitoring systems, and enforceable life-jacket requirements.
