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34 Dead and 8 Missing After Tour Boat Capsizes in Ha Long Bay

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered a full probe into the Wonder Sea capsize to tighten safety oversight on tourist vessels.

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Ha Long (Vietnam), 19/07/2025.- A handout photo made available by Vietnam News Agency shows rescuers searching for victims after a tourist boat capsized in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh province, Vietnam, 19 July 2025. At least 18 people died and several are missing after a tourist boat carrying 53 people onboard capsized in Ha Long Bay on 19 July, according to state media. EFE/EPA/VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY /HANDOUT VIETNAM OUTHANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
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Overview

  • At 12:55 p.m. on July 19, the Wonder Sea overturned after sudden torrential winds hit Ha Long Bay while carrying 48 tourists and five crewmembers.
  • Rescue teams have recovered 34 bodies and saved 11 survivors, with eight passengers still unaccounted for as night operations press on.
  • Border guards, the navy, police and divers are coordinating more than two dozen vessels in the search across the bay.
  • Meteorologists warn that Tropical Storm Wipha could reach the region soon, raising concerns about the safety and pace of ongoing rescue efforts.
  • Pham Minh Chinh has tasked defense and public security ministries with continuing search missions and launching a thorough investigation to bolster safety protocols for tourist boats.