A tourist boat carrying families capsized in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, after being struck by a sudden thunderstorm . So far, authorities have recovered at least 18 bodies, with dozens still missing, after a major rescue operation in one of the country’s most picturesque but perilous marine zones. (Globedge)
Incident Overview
The vessel, named the Wonder Sea, set off with 48 passengers and five crew members on a routine sightseeing tour. (Wikipedia)
Around 2 p.m. local time, a violent, unexpected storm swept through Ha Long Bay, unleashing high winds, heavy rain, hail, and lightning. The boat capsized in under a minute. (Globedge)
Despite some passengers urging retreat back to shore, survivors say the crew insisted they were almost at their destination and the vessel continued. (AP News)
Rescue & Recovery Efforts
Search operations in Vietnam mobilized border guards, police, navy divers, and 27 rescue boats and two fast rescue crafts. (Reuters)
As of early recovery reports, at least 18 bodies were recovered, and 12 people rescued. (NationalWorld)
Survivors included a 14 year old boy pulled from an air pocket four hours after the capsizing, as well as a 10 year old boy hospitalized with multiple injuries. (People.com)
One man survived by clinging to a wooden chair for approximately three hours before rescue. (Reuters)
Officials have revised casualty estimates downward to 35 deaths, with 4 people still missing as rescue operations continue. (Reuters)
Weather & Conditions
The accident occurred ahead of Tropical Storm Wipha, which was approaching northern Vietnam at the time. (Reuters)
Meteorologists confirmed the thunderstorm was not part of Wipha but struck suddenly, darkening the sky and causing abrupt conditions within minutes. (Reuters)
Survivors’ Accounts & Aftermath
Dang Anh Tuan, a survivor, said: “It rained for 15 minutes then the boat started shaking seconds later it overturned.” He dove underwater and escaped, later clinging to the hull with others for hours. Only three of his group survived. (AP News)
A 14 year old boy reportedly survived by sheltering in an air pocket inside the overturned hull until rescuers arrived. (People.com)
Key Issues & Broader Context
The tragedy quickly became one of the deadliest maritime disasters in Ha Long Bay in decades, raising urgent concerns about tour safety and weather monitoring protocols.
Vietnamese authorities emphasized that the vessel carried fewer than the maximum allowed passengers, and had passed safety inspection just months prior in January 2025.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the site and pledged support and compensation for victims’ families, while ordering a full investigation into safety procedures.
Summary
On July 19, 2025, a tourist boat named Wonder Sea capsized in Ha Long Bay after being hit by a sudden thunderstorm.
Official counts now list 35 fatalities, with 18 bodies recovered and at least 4 people still missing.
12 survivors have been rescued, including children, with harrowing accounts of escaping submerged wreckage.
The incident underscores the abrupt dangers posed by severe weather in a region densely trafficked by tour boats.
Authorities have launched search efforts and a formal investigation, while emphasizing the need to revisit maritime safety rules, especially during storm seasons.
