People stand on a tourist boat that capsized in Halong Bay on Saturday.
Share this @internewscast.com

Following a sightseeing ship’s capsizing in a squall on Saturday in Halong Bay, a well-known tourist spot in Vietnam, divers continue to search for missing passengers and crew.

At least 34 bodies have been recovered and another 11 people have been rescued.

Search and rescue efforts are underway for those who are still missing, according to VN Express, which reported that the vessel was carrying 53 people, including 48 tourists and five crew members.

The nationalities of those on board have not yet been stated.

People stand on a tourist boat that capsized in Halong Bay on Saturday.
People stand on a tourist boat that capsized in Halong Bay on Saturday. (AFP/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)
In an interview with state media outlet Vietnamnet, a 64-year-old diver at the scene said that much of the ship’s passenger area had been searched.

The cockpit and engine room, however, are stuck in mud, making them harder to reach.

“As of now, I am certain there are no more bodies in the passenger cabin,” said diver Đinh Khắc Giông.

“I only worry that some bodies may have drifted outside.”

VN Express reported that the ship, called the Wonder Sea, was caught in a storm around 1.30 pm local time (2.30am ET), which caused it to capsize.

It then lost GPS signal, according to the outlet, which cited the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee.

According to VN Express, the navy, border guards, police, and port authorities were dispatched to the area, alongside 27 boats and two rescue craft. However, rescue efforts are being hindered by heavy rain and poor visibility due to nightfall.

Most passengers hailed from Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, and were traveling in family groups. VN Express reports the oldest passenger was 53 years old, while the youngest was just 3.

Over 20 children were on board, VN Express said. Citing the director of a local hospital, the outlet reported that a 10-year-old boy is in stable condition after suffering multiple injuries.

It also reported a 14-year-old boy survived after being trapped inside the ship’s sunken cabin for four hours, citing eyewitness and deputy head of the Ha Long Cruise Ship Association, Bui Cong Hoan.

Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay is a tourist hotspot and UNESCO world heritage site. (File image) (iStock)

State broadcaster VTV interviewed a survivor, Dang Thuy Linh, recovering at the provincial hospital.

“I have lost contact with my son, my husband and my friend’s whole family,” Dang told VTV, according to a translation published by Reuters.

“What I am asking now is for everyone to speed up the rescue mission, to save all of them,” Dang added. “Please don’t let anyone behind on that boat. There is so little air left, there is a small chance of surviving.”

The capsize reportedly happened near the Dau Go Cave – one of the largest in the bay.

Halong Bay is a popular tourist hotspot and a UNESCO world heritage site comprising of about 1600 limestone islands and islets.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Shoppers sit down for a rest in Pitt St Mall in the Sydney CBD.

Australian Inflation Sees Mild Relief, Yet Experts Warn of Looming Price Surge

Inflation has eased for the first time since November, but Australians could…
'Major player' charged with murder over Sydney grandfather's death

Top Suspect in Sydney Grandfather’s Murder: Shocking Charges Unveiled

In a development that has shocked the community, police have taken a…
Motorists flock to tiny growers mart selling city's cheapest fuel

Drivers Rush to Local Market Offering the City’s Best Fuel Deals

Australia’s regional petrol stations are often the first to feel the brunt…

Unveiling Trump’s Comprehensive 15-Point Strategy for Iran: Key Details and Insights

In Brief As Israel continues to strike Lebanon, it says its military…

New Legislation Shields Truck Drivers from Fuel Price Surges: A Government Initiative

In brief Fuel prices have risen sharply amid the war in the…
Missiles fly amid mixed signals over talks to end war

Missiles Launch as Conflicting Messages Cloud Peace Negotiations

Airstrikes have battered Iran and Iranian missiles and drones have targeted Israel’s…
Rimoni Muliaga, his wife Lise and their children in happier days

Tragic Turn: Father of Five Commits Shocking Crime in Brother’s Backyard Shortly After Moving to Australia

A tragic case of jealousy turned fatal when a Samoan father-of-five brutally…

Australian Housing Goals Impacted by Middle East Conflict, Nationwide Delays Reported

In Brief Australia’s target to produce 1.2 million homes by June 2029…
Squirrels have started 'vaping' after mistaking the fruity smells for food, experts have warned

Experts Warn: Squirrels Mistake Fruity Vape Scents for Food, Raising Concerns

In a surprising twist of nature and modern technology, squirrels have reportedly…

Aussies Urge End to Inefficient Appointments as Fuel Costs Soar

In Brief Petrol price surges are worsening the cost-of-living crisis already being…
Mel Schilling

MAFS Expert Mel Schilling Passes Away Following Cancer Battle

In December 2023, Mel received a colon cancer diagnosis, and a mere…
Alex Welling (left) and Stephen Hoare (right)

Heartbreaking Video Captures Skydiver’s Final Moments Before Tragic Fall

A harrowing video reveals a skydiver’s broad smile and evident excitement just…