SANTOSTILO TOURIST BOAT CAPSIZES IN VIETNAM, AT LEAST 34 DEAD

What happened & when

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, around 2 p.m. local time (UTC+7), the tourist vessel Wonder Sea—officially Vịnh Xanh 58, registration QN-7105—capsized near Đầu Gỗ Cave in Hạ Long Bay during a sudden and violent afternoon thunderstorm. The tour began around 12:55 p.m., carrying 46 passengers and 3 crew, according to official records

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The storm’s fury

Eyewitnesses and survivors described how the storm struck swiftly—“hailstones as big as toes,” torrential rain, lightning, and powerful gusts overwhelmed the boat within seconds of darkening skies. Official meteorologists confirmed it was a local storm, not directly linked to the approaching Typhoon Wipha

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Immediate rescue response

Vietnamese authorities sprang into action, dispatching border guards, navy units, waterway police, over two dozen boats, and rescue divers. Despite reduced visibility due to rain, teams located 11 survivors, including a 10‑year‑old hospitalized with injuries and an extraordinary 14‑year‑old boy who endured four hours trapped inside an air pocket in the overturned hull.

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Casualty overview

• Confirmed dead: At least 34 people, including eight children

• Missing: Reports vary—4, 5, or 8 individuals still unaccounted for

• Passengers and crew count: Authorities cite between 48–53 people on board, including 5 crew members and over 20 children, mostly families from Hanoi.

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Official reaction & government aid

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh expressed condolences, issued an urgent directive for intensified rescue operations, and ordered a thorough investigation with “strict handling” of any violations  Provincial authorities have offered 25 million VND (approx. $1,000) to each bereaved family and 8 million VND to those injured, supplemented by additional aid from the Fatherland Front and private donors. Notably, 80–90% of victims were found wearing life jackets, suggesting crew properly alerted passengers before the storm struck.

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Broader context & implications

Hạ Long Bay—a UNESCO World Heritage and a top tourist hot spot—has seen several maritime accidents during sudden storms and extreme weather in recent years. This incident underscores persistent gaps in weather forecasting, tour-boat safety standards, and emergency preparedness. The fact that a rapidly moving storm—not the distant typhoon—triggered this tragedy highlights critical risks in tropical marine environments

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Key facts at a glance