VIETNAM HUNTS FOR MISSING PEOPLE AFTER THUNDERSTORM-CAPSIZED TOUR BOAT
Vietnamese rescue teams are racing against time to locate several missing passengers after a tour boat capsized in a sudden thunderstorm on a river in the central province of Quang Binh. The tragic incident, which occurred late on Saturday, has left at least four confirmed dead, with others still unaccounted for. Dozens were rescued from the turbulent waters, but hopes are fading for those still missing as rescue operations continue amid difficult weather conditions.
According to local authorities, the wooden tourist boat was carrying approximately 40 people—mostly Vietnamese nationals—on a sightseeing trip along the Gianh River, a popular destination known for its natural beauty. A sudden and intense thunderstorm struck the area, bringing strong winds and heavy rain that overturned the vessel within minutes. The boat reportedly lacked adequate safety equipment, and many passengers were not wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the boat was engulfed by choppy waves. Some passengers managed to cling to floating debris or swim to shore, while others were swept away by the strong current. Local fishermen nearby rushed to the scene to help pull survivors from the water before emergency services arrived.
Provincial authorities have deployed more than 100 personnel, including divers, police, and military units, to conduct an extensive search and rescue operation. Boats and helicopters are being used to scour the riverbanks and surrounding areas for any sign of the missing. Family members of the victims have also gathered near the site, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed deep condolences to the families affected and called for a thorough investigation into the incident. He emphasized the need to review tourism safety regulations, particularly regarding small tour operators that may not meet required standards. “This tragedy must not be repeated,” he said in a statement, urging tighter control over boat safety, licensing, and weather monitoring.
This latest disaster raises serious questions about safety enforcement in Vietnam’s tourism industry, especially during the storm-prone monsoon season. Boat accidents are not uncommon in the country, where overcrowding, poor maintenance, and inadequate oversight have led to multiple fatalities over the years.
The Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration has also launched a separate probe to examine whether the tour company violated safety protocols. Preliminary findings suggest the boat may have ignored weather warnings and continued operations despite the approaching storm system, which had been forecast hours earlier by the national meteorological service.
As rescue teams continue to search the river’s murky waters, the incident has cast a somber shadow over what was intended to be a leisurely outing. The local community has responded with support, offering supplies, volunteers, and shelters to those affected.
While the final toll is yet to be determined, the tragedy has underscored the urgent need for stricter safety regulations and better emergency preparedness in Vietnam’s rapidly growing tourism sector. For now, the nation watches and waits, hoping for miracles as the search for the missing continues.