At least three dead after tourist vessel overturns
The boat - which had the registration number QN-7105 - was carrying 48 tourists and five crew members near Đầu Gỗ Cave off the coast of Ha Long Bay when it was hit by a sudden squall and overturned, according to local media.
10 people have been rescued so far, while three bodies have sadly been recovered from the water.
Follow the latest updates below
14:44 KEY EVENT
Local media is reporting another six bodies have been pulled from the South China Sea after a boat capsized in Ha Long Bay earlier today.
It brings the total death toll to nine, reports Vietnam Plus.
14:42 Ryan Fahey
The number of people rescued after a boat capsized in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay has increased to 12.
14:39 Ryan Fahey
Local media is broadcasting footage of the rescue effort.
A huge number of large rescue boats can be seen bobbing off the coast of Ha Long Bay.
14:34 Ryan Fahey
A fierce storm is currently raging in the South China Sea and thought to be linked to deteriorating weather conditions in the region. It is likely responsible for the storm at Ha Long Bay.
Storm Wipha, the third typhoon to hit the South China Sea this year, is expected to land in Vietnam next week.
Air travel has already been disrupted, with Noi Bai Airport announcing nine flights had to be diverted to alternative airports. Another three flights had to be grounded due to adverse conditions. A woman being rescued from the tourist boat
14:29 Ryan Fahey
Ha Long Bay is a popular UNESCO World Heritage coastal resort in northeast Vietnam which attracts 2.5million tourists each year.
Huge numbers of boat tours and expeditions set off from the bay each day.
It's a popular resort for scuba diving, rock climbing and hiking in the nearby national park.
14:24 Ryan Fahey
In Vietnam's Ha Long Bay, a passenger boat carrying 48 passengers and 5 crew members capsized during todays storm. Rescue teams, including the Quang Ninh Provincial Border Guard, saved 12 people and recovered 3 bodies by 6:00pm. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/ERJ1Eoptn8 — Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) July 19, 2025
14:21 Ryan Fahey
A rescue team was deployed to scour the ocean for survivors.
As of 5.45pm local time (11.45am GMT), 10 people had been rescued. Three bodies were also retrieved.
Vietnam News reported that the operation is continuing at "full speed". GRAB Vietnam boat disaster LIVE: At least three dead after tourist vessel overturns LINK:https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/tourist-boat-with-53-on-board-capsizes-in-ha-long-bay-5-confirmed-dead-4916414.html
14:19 Ryan Fahey
A sudden gust of wind is said to be the culprit that caused a tourist boat to capsize off the coast of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.
State-run media said a sudden squall hit the area near Đầu Gỗ Cave in Hạ Long Bay, leading to the capsizing of the boat. The boat had a registration number of QN-7105.
14:08 Ryan Fahey
The boat was said to be carrying 53 people, including 48 tourists and five crew members.
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