The death toll from a tourist boat accident in Vietnam's Hạ Long Bay climbed to at least 38 with several people still missing, the government said, as rescuers continued to search for survivors while bracing for the approach of Typhoon Wipha.
As of early Sunday morning (July 20), search and rescue efforts remained underway for those who are still missing. The vessel, named Wonder Sea, capsized on Saturday afternoon while carrying 48 tourists and five crew members in one of the worst boating accidents in recent years in the popular tourist area.
Ten people have been rescued. An official news agency reported that all the tourists were Vietnamese, including several children.
Dozens of rescuers, including border guards, navy personnel, police and professional divers, have been deployed. Although the sea had calmed, weather conditions limited visibility, making rescue operations difficult. Rescuers managed to retrieve the sunken boat, the government said.
The accident took place around 2 PM local time on Saturday, July 19, soon after Typhoon Wipha entered the South China Sea.
Authorities reported strong winds, heavy rainfall and lightning in the area at the time of the incident, adding that these conditions were not yet influenced by the approaching typhoon but were due to wind patterns over the northern region.
Hạ Long Bay, about 200 km northeast of Hanoi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 1,600 limestone islands and islets. Tens of thousands of visitors visit every year, and boat tours are particularly popular.
In 2011, the sinking of a tour boat in the bay killed 12 people, including foreign tourists.
Typhoon Wipha, the third to hit the South China Sea this year, is projected to make landfall along Vietnam's northern coast early next week.
Check life jackets and safety equipment: Always ensure that life jackets are available and easily accessible. Before embarking, verify that the ferry has the necessary safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first-aid kits and lifeboats.
Weather conditions: Be aware of the weather forecast. Storms or strong winds can make ferry rides dangerous, especially during the rainy season. If conditions are rough, consider delaying your trip.
Stay inside during rough waters: In case of choppy seas, it's safest to stay inside the ferry rather than on the deck. Avoid leaning over railings or standing in areas where you might lose your balance.
Respect the crew’s instructions: Pay attention to safety briefings or instructions from the crew. If an emergency occurs, follow their directions calmly and quickly.
Bring essential items: Keep your valuables close, preferably in waterproof bags. If you're prone to seasickness, carry motion sickness medication with you and stay hydrated.
(With inputs from multiple news reports)
