Vietnamese authorities continue search and recovery operations in Ha Long Bay after the capsizing of a tourist boat killed at least 37 people and left others missing.
Among the survivors is a 10-year-old boy who managed to stay alive by sheltering in an air pocket within the overturned vessel.
The boy, whose name has not been released, was travelling with family on the “Wonder Sea”, a sightseeing boat popular among domestic tourists.
As reported by VietnamNet, the vessel was caught in a violent squall that caused it to flip near the famous Dau Go Cave. Trapped underwater, the child found a small air pocket where he waited for rescue.
“Everything happened so fast,” the boy later said. “I tried to get out, and then the soldiers rescued me.”
Rescue teams discovered the boy alive and conscious but in a state of shock. He was immediately warmed, treated for mental distress, and transported to a nearby hospital.
Efforts to locate the remaining missing passengers and crew have been hampered by poor weather conditions.
The “Wonder Sea” was carrying 53 people at the time of the incident, many of whom were families from Hanoi.
The boat was caught in the storm around 1:30pm local time. The vessel was towed to port the following day, visibly damaged.
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning limestone islands, is one of Vietnam’s most visited tourist attractions. This tragedy has sparked renewed scrutiny of safety measures for cruise operators, especially during unpredictable seasonal weather.
Authorities have not yet provided further updates on potential causes or accountability but have vowed a full investigation.
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