Credited from: HUFFPOST
A tourist boat capsized in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay during a sudden thunderstorm on Saturday, killing at least 34 people and leaving eight missing. The vessel, named Wonder Sea, was carrying 48 passengers, including over 20 children, and five crew members during a sightseeing trip when it turned over due to strong winds, according to CBS News and HuffPost.
Rescue operations successfully saved 11 individuals, including a 14-year-old boy who was trapped for several hours inside the overturned hull. Authorities initially reported a higher rescue count, reflecting ongoing confusion regarding the numbers, as 34 bodies were ultimately confirmed recovered by rescuers, according to India Times and Los Angeles Times.
The storm, described as sudden, aligns with the region's known tumultuous weather patterns during the monsoon season, which have posed significant risks to tourist vessels in the area. Local officials noted this incident recalls previous tragedies in Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts millions of visitors yearly, according to India Times and HuffPost.