Ha Long Bay Boat Disaster: Survivor Recounts Escape Amid Rising Death Toll

A devastating tour boat capsizing in Vietnam’s iconic Ha Long Bay on Sunday, July 20, 2025, has claimed at least 35 lives, with search efforts continuing for four individuals still missing. The “Wonder Sea” vessel, carrying 46 passengers and three crew, overturned amidst a sudden and violent thunderstorm, sending shockwaves through the popular tourist destination.

Among the survivors is 36-year-old Dang Anh Tuan, a fire extinguisher salesman, who provided a harrowing account of his escape. Tuan described how the boat, despite passenger concerns about the worsening weather, continued its journey. “It rained for about 15 minutes, and then the boat started to shake vigorously, tables and chairs were jostled around and seconds later the boat overturned,” he recounted. Trapped underwater, Tuan instinctively shed his life vest and swam towards a glimmer of light, eventually emerging from a window of the submerged vessel. He, along with several others, clung to the capsized hull and propellers for two agonizing hours before rescuers arrived.

The “Wonder Sea” has since been towed to a shipyard for investigation, revealing shattered windows and significant damage. Initial reports of 38 dead and five missing were corrected by authorities. While 11 survivors were recovered, one later succumbed to injuries in hospital. Most of the passengers were tourists from Hanoi, including approximately 20 children. Tragically, Tuan’s own group of 11 university friends saw only three survive, with nine, including a family of three, perishing in the disaster.

The incident underscores concerns about maritime safety, particularly as tropical storm Wipha is forecast to impact Vietnam’s northern region, including Ha Long Bay, next week. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragedy.

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.