At Least 34 Killed, Children Among Tourists Missing As Boat Capsizes In Vietnam's Ha Long Bay
At least 34 people have died and several others, including children, are missing after a tourist boat capsized in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay on Saturday. The accident occurred during a sudden storm that hit the popular UNESCO World Heritage site, state media reported.
The boat was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members when it overturned due to heavy rain and strong winds. Most of those on board were families visiting from Hanoi, with more than 20 children among the passengers, according to VNExpress.
Authorities confirmed that border guards had rescued 11 people and recovered 34 bodies from the water. Search and rescue operations are continuing to locate at least eight people still missing.
'The sky turned dark at around 2 pm, followed by hailstones as big as toes with torrential rain, thunderstorm and lightning," a local office worker in Ha Long Bay, Tran Trong Hung, told news agency AFP.
A 10-year-old boy, one of the survivors, shared his terrifying experience with state media outlet VietnamNet. 'I took a deep breath, swam through a gap, dived, then swam up. I even shouted for help, then I was pulled up by a boat with soldiers," he said.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered both defence and public security forces to speed up rescue operations. He also called for an investigation into the cause of the incident and promised strict action against any violations.
Heavy rain also battered parts of northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, and Bac Ninh provinces, toppling trees and disrupting daily life. The sudden storm followed several days of extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 37°C in some regions.
Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, said the storm was not linked to Tropical Storm Wipha in the South China Sea, confirming that the thunderstorms were local in nature.
Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam's most visited tourist spots, known for its emerald waters and limestone islands. The region sees millions of visitors every year. In 2023, over 30 vessels sank in the same coastal province during Typhoon Yagi, raising concerns about safety protocols in extreme weather.
(With inputs from AFP)
view comments
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Assam marks 1st anniversary of Moidam's Unesco tag
1 2 3 4 Dibrugarh: The first anniversary of Charaideo Moidam's inclusion in the Unesco World Heritage list was celebrated with zeal by Directorate of Archaeology near the historic site on Sunday. The anniversary programme began with the traditional Tai-Ahom ritual of Ban-Phi, a ceremonial offering to ancestors, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural heritage of the region. Charaideo Moidam, often referred to as the "Pyramids of Assam", was officially inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in July 2024. The site is home to the sacred burial mounds of the Ahom dynasty, which ruled Assam for nearly 600 years from 1228 to 1826. The site consists of multiple pyramid-like burial mounds called 'moidams', where Ahom kings and nobles were laid to rest according to ancient traditions. These structures, built using a unique technique that combines earth, brick, and stone, represent one of the finest examples of medieval Assamese architecture. "This anniversary is not just a celebration of the World Heritage Site tag, it is a reminder of our responsibility to protect and honour our heritage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Knee Pain Knee pain | search ads Find Now Undo The recognition has put Assam on the global map of cultural tourism. The past year has seen unprecedented interest from both domestic and international visitors who come to witness the architectural marvels of our Ahom ancestors," said Jogen Mohan, minister of indigenous and tribal faith and culture, who was present as the chief guest. Since receiving Unesco status, the site has undergone significant conservation efforts, with increased funding and international expertise. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in collaboration with the state govt, has implemented comprehensive preservation measures to protect the delicate structures from environmental degradation and human interference. Additional director general of the ASI, Janhwij Sharma, who was present during Sunday's event, noted the collaborative efforts that led to the momentous achievement. "This recognition is not just for Assam but for all of India. It showcases our collective efforts to preserve our ancient sites for future generations. This site is not just a historical treasure but a living testament to the Ahom dynasty's legacy. We are committed to its preservation and promotion," he said. Several prominent figures were present at the celebration, including state minister of cultural affairs Bimal Borah, Sonari MLA Dharmeswar Konwar, Chairman of the Tai-Ahom Development Council Mayur Borgohain, chairman of Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) Rituparna Baruah and prominent historian Jogendra Nath Phukan.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Air corridor opens: Russia starts direct flights from Moscow to North Korea's Pyongyang; ties take off with monthly operations confirmed
Russia's Nordwind Airlines Boeing 777-200ER takes-off for the first flight connecting Moscow and Pyongyang at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport. (Picture credit: AP) Russia has started direct commercial flights between Moscow and Pyongyang, marking a significant expansion in its relations with North Korea. The first flight, operated by Nordwind Airlines, departed from Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport at 16:25 GMT on Sunday and is expected to reach the North Korean capital in around eight hours, reported news agency AFP. "This is a historical event, strengthening the ties between our nations," said a Nordwind staffer involved in the operation, although he declined to reveal the number of passengers aboard. The route will initially operate once a month, according to Russia's transport ministry. Tickets were priced at 45,000 rubles, or around $570. 'For the first time in more than 70 years of diplomatic relations, we are launching direct flights between the capitals of our countries,' Russia's deputy transport minister, Vladimir Poteshkin, was quoted as saying on the ministry's Telegram channel, according to AFP. Russia's state-run TASS agency reported that the first return flight from Pyongyang to Moscow is scheduled for Tuesday. These flights are part of a broader pattern of increasing engagement between the two countries. As per news agency AP, over 400 passengers were aboard the inaugural flight. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, who recently visited North Korea's Wonsan-Kalma coastal resort, has promised to promote tourism between the two countries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Installing Solar Panels in Albania Might Be Cheaper Then You Think Solar Panels | Search Ads Get Info Undo The newly developed beach resort is central to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's strategy to revive the country's economy through tourism. North Korea, which had sealed its borders during the Covid-19 pandemic, has gradually resumed travel links. Train services between the two countries resumed on June 17, and air travel between Pyongyang and Russia's Vladivostok had already restarted in 2023. The resumption of direct flights comes amid deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. North Korea has supplied weapons and troops to support Russia's operations in Ukraine, according to AP. In 2024, North Korea confirmed it had deployed its soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces. The two nations also signed a mutual defence pact during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang last year. The renewed air link, symbolic of their strengthening alliance, signals not only increasing military coordination but also a push for broader economic and tourism ties between the heavily sanctioned nations. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Czech Republic president meets Dalai Lama in Ladakh
Leh, Jul 27 (PTI) Czech Republic president Petr Pavel on Sunday met Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in Ladakh, an official said. This is for the first time that a sitting head of a state has visited India to meet his holiness Dalai Lama, who had reached Leh on July 12 on a month-long tour of the Union Territory. 'President Petr Pavel of the Czech Republic met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama this morning in Leh, Ladakh, India. During the meeting, the President extended his warm congratulations to His Holiness on the occasion of his 90th birthday," the office of the spiritual leader posted on X. The official handle run by the name of Dalai Lama also shared the picture of the meeting late tonight. PTI TAS NB NB Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
