Sudden Storm Capsizes Ha Long Bay Boat, 4 Tourists Missing, 35 Dead

Rescue operations are underway in northern Vietnam as authorities search for four people still missing after a sudden thunderstorm capsized a tourist boat in Ha Long Bay, killing at least 35 passengers.

The tragedy occurred on Saturday afternoon when a powerful and fast-moving storm struck the UNESCO World Heritage site, a popular tourist destination known for its limestone islands.

According to government officials, the storm hit unexpectedly around 2 p.m., bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning that caused the boat to overturn. All 49 people on board were Vietnamese nationals, including several children.

Emergency response teams, including police, navy divers, and border guards, were mobilized immediately, but rescue efforts have been hampered by limited visibility and deteriorating weather conditions. Typhoon Wipha, currently approaching Hong Kong, is expected to bring more disruption to the region.

The number of passengers initially reported aboard the boat was revised from 53 to 49, and the death toll was lowered from 38 to 35, authorities said on Sunday.

“My brother can swim, but I was told everything happened too fast,” said Tran Trung Tu, 39, speaking from a funeral parlour.

The storm also disrupted operations at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, where nine flights were diverted and three departures delayed. Fallen trees and strong gusts were reported across the capital.

Local resident Do Van Hai described the conditions as overwhelming: “I was told life vests were available, but it was too sudden. Hopefully, the missing ones will be found soon.”

The accident marks one of the deadliest maritime disasters in Ha Long Bay in recent years. A similar incident in 2011 claimed 12 lives, including foreign tourists.

The government has attributed the latest accident to an unexpected weather event and is continuing search and recovery efforts.