A sightseeing trip turned into one of Vietnam’s deadliest maritime disasters when the Wonder Sea tourist boat capsized in Ha Long Bay on July 19, 2025, during a sudden and violent thunderstorm.
The vessel was carrying 48 passengers, including over 20 children, and five crew members when it was struck by fierce winds and torrential rain around 2:00 p.m. local time.
Rescue teams recovered 37 bodies, while five people remain missing. Among the victims were entire families visiting from Hanoi, the country’s capital. Survivors described scenes of chaos and terror as the boat flipped over, trapping many inside.
A 14-year-old boy was miraculously rescued after spending four hours inside the overturned hull, and a 10-year-old survivor recounted swimming through debris and shouting for help before being pulled to safety by soldiers.
The storm, fueled by unstable atmospheric conditions and the approach of Tropical Storm Wipha, unleashed hail, lightning, and winds strong enough to knock down trees and disrupt flights in Hanoi. Authorities had issued weather warnings earlier in the day, but the sudden intensity of the storm caught many off guard.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed condolences and ordered an urgent investigation into the incident. Rescue operations continued through the night, with Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha overseeing efforts on-site.
The government has pledged financial support to victims’ families and is working to salvage the damaged vessel before the storm worsens.
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and limestone islands, attracts millions of tourists annually.
This tragedy has raised serious concerns about safety protocols, weather preparedness, and emergency response in one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations.