Ha Long Bay tragedy: 18 dead, dozens missing as tourist boat capsizes
Tourist vessel capsizes in Ha Long Bay amid sudden heavy rain
At least 18 people have died and dozens remain missing after a tourist boat carrying over 50 passengers capsized on Saturday in Vietnam’s iconic Ha Long Bay, state media reported.
The vessel, which was touring the UNESCO World Heritage site, was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members when it went down.
Rescue and recovery operations
- Border guards rescued 12 people and recovered 18 bodies, a report on the VNExpress news site said.
- Most people on board were families visiting from Hanoi, with more than 20 children among the passengers.
Ha Long Bay – Vietnam’s premier tourist destination
Ha Long Bay attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn to its blue‑green waters and limestone islands topped by rainforest. It remains one of the country’s most popular attraction sites.
Previous maritime incidents in the area
Last year, 30 vessels sank at boat lock areas in coastal Quang Ninh province along Ha Long Bay after being pounded by strong winds and waves brought by the deadly Typhoon Yagi.
