At least 34 dead after tourist boat capsizes during violent thunderstorm in Vietnam
The vessel, named Wonder Seas, was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members during a sightseeing excursion of Ha Long Bay, a popular destination for visitors, according to reports cited by The Associated Press.
Rescue workers saved 11 people and recovered the dead near the site of the capsizing, VNExpress newspaper said. Search teams are frantically looking for the missing victims of the disaster.
Video footage shows two exasperated survivors being rescued on a smaller boat as choppy waters rock the vessel from side to side, illustrating the rough conditions at sea.
Footage also shows several people standing on the hull of the capsized Wonder Sea boat waiting to be rescued.
The boat turned upside down because of strong winds, the newspaper said. A 14-year-old boy was among the survivors, and he was rescued four hours after being trapped in the overturned hull.
"Even though the ship overturned and the passenger compartment was locked, there was still a gap of about 50-60 cm [20 to 24 inches], enough for oxygen to enter so the baby was still alive," Bui Cong Hoan, deputy branch of the Ha Long Cruise Ship Association, told VNExpress.
"Rescuers then broke the window and put the victim in a rescue boat."
Hospital director Le Ngoc Dung said that a 10-year-old boy was also among those saved and is currently in a stable condition at Bai Chay Hospital, according to the outlet.
A group of 15 divers went into the sea to search for victims and survivors.
An eyewitness told AFP news agency that the sky darkened around 2 p.m. local time on Saturday.
There were "hailstones as big as toes with torrential rain, thunderstorm and lightning", he said, per the BBC.
It does not appear that any Americans were on board. Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department for clarification,
Ha Long Bay is located in Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam and is one of the country's most iconic natural landmarks, featuring more than 1,600 limestone islands and islets. "Ha Long," means "Descending Dragon," and local folklore says the islands were formed by a dragon's tail crashing into the sea.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
The Luckiest Cruise Ship Casinos—According To a Gambling.com Ranking
Rows of Casino Slot Machines with Shallow Depth of Field. Las Vegas Gambling Theme. getty Serious gamers chasing big wins often head to the Las Vegas strip or top gambling destinations worldwide like Monte Carlo or Macau. But casinos are also a popular amenity on cruise ships, with everything from slots and roulette to blackjack often on board. These floating casinos, most commonly on larger ships versus smaller river cruises or expedition cruise ships, tend to draw less serious gamblers and generally have tighter slots than their land-based counterparts. But with that being said, if you're a high roller at high seas, some ships may be luckier than others, according to a new analysis from that ranked the luckiest cruise ships casinos. The luckiest cruise ship casino in 2025 is the Diamond Princess, according to analysis released in July 2025. Taking its inaugural cruise in March 2004, the ship — which has a guest capacity of 2,710 — runs several itineraries throughout Asia. Some of those routes include a 12-day trip that traverses through Thailand and Malaysia, several routes through Japan and a Vietnam itinerary that cruises along Halong Bay. 'The ship has a Las Vegas-style casino that offers the latest slot machines, blackjack, Texas hold 'em and prize tournaments,' the announcement from says. To determine the luckiest cruise ships casinos, the team analyzed Tripadvisor reviews, mining them for key words with positive associations to winning such as 'luck,' 'lucky' and 'happy.' This is a similar method used in other 'luckiest casino' rankings, like one in May that determined the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Resort led the list of the luckiest casinos in the United States. For the most part, cruise ships are limited to operating only when the ship is in international waters and not when they're in port. But when it comes to casinos on cruise ships, Princess appears to have an edge. The World Cruise Awards in 2024 named the Enchanted Princess as the best ship for gambling. Routes on this ship range from Canada and New England to the Caribbean as well as trips in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. While many large cruise lines have gambling options on board, others, including Viking and Disney Cruise Line, have opted against having casinos onboard. Some cruise lines, like WIndStar Cruises, though, have scrapped casinos from their ships and repurposed the square footage into public spaces. Azamara converted its casinos into a relaxing lounge area for guests to read, hang out, mingle and listen to live piano music. Here's the top five luckiest cruise ship casinos, according to No. 1: Diamond Princess operated by Princess The Vegas-style casino offers gaming lessons and is a place where you can try your luck at slot machines, roulette, blackjack, Texas Hold 'Em, and more. No. 2: Wonder of the Seas operated by Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas runs cruises from Miami to the Caribbean, with stops at the cruise line's private island CocoCay. The cruise line's casino is called Casino Royale. No. 3: Infinity operated by Celebrity Smoke-free casinos offer slot machines and table games, featuring blackjack, baccarat and more. For adjacent fun with less at stake, play a live-action game of Deal or No Deal . No. 4: The Emerald operated by Princess The Emerald Princess cruise ship offers a variety of cruises, ranging from a Pacific Wine Country trip to one that travels to the Baja Peninsula and Sea of Cortez in Mexico. Most ships set sail out of Los Angeles. No. 5: Queen Elizabeth operated by Cunard Cruise Line
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Zhangye: China's Rainbow Wonderland Opens Its Doors to the World via Trip.com
Colourful rainbow mountains, ancient temples, and wild horse pastures await in this Silk Road gem, now discoverable through newly launched Zhangye Destination Flagship Store SHANGHAI, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A breathtaking blend of history, culture, and nature, the city of Zhangye is stepping into the global spotlight through a new online destination flagship store launched on in collaboration with the Zhangye Municipal Tourism Bureau. Best known for its surreal colourful landforms and status as a vital stop along the ancient Silk Road, Zhangye now invites travellers worldwide to explore its rich heritage and landscapes through curated travel guides, experiences, and booking options available on the platform. Put Zhangye on Your Travel Radar: Highlights 1. A Natural Canvas: The Colourful Rainbow Mountains Zhangye's signature attraction, the colourful Rainbow Mountains in Danxia, is often described as Earth's natural colour palette. Crimson, gold, and green ripple across sunlit hills in dramatic formations that photographers dream of. After rainfall or during snowfall, the hues become even more vivid, forming a visual spectacle in every season. 2. A Temple Where Time Stands Still Home to Asia's largest indoor reclining Buddha, Zhangye's Big Buddha Temple dates back to the Western Xia Dynasty. Wander its ancient halls and you'll find not just serenity but also original Buddhist texts dating from the Ming Dynasty. 3. Galloping Through History at Shandan Horse Ranch This vast pastoral land echoes with the spirit of cavalry of the ancient Han and Tang dynasties. Today, it's a dynamic site where visitors can ride through the grasslands, witness professional equestrian performances, and immerse themselves in a centuries-old nomadic lifestyle. 4. Immerse Yourself in Unique Yugur Customs Step into unique customs in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, where Gansu's only indigenous ethnic group, the Yugur people, brings centuries of tradition to life. From vibrant ethnic costumes and grassland songs to thrilling horse races and bonfire dances, the Yugur people offer an unforgettable cultural experience each summer. Savour rich butter tea, hear tales of ancient migrations, and immerse yourself in a living legacy set against the stunning backdrop of the Hexi Corridor. Explore Zhangye on Nestled between the Qilian Mountains and the Heihe River, Zhangye offers stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences for every traveler. The Zhangye Cultural and Tourism Brand Flagship Store on is your one-stop platform for hotels, attractions, local cuisine, travel tips, and more, making trip planning easy and convenient. Skip the guesswork and dive into your adventure in Zhangye today with (end) About is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 35 local currencies. has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.5 million hotels and flights from over 640 airlines covering 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions around the globe. world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service, as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Seoul, help to 'create the best travel experience' for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE
Forbes
8 hours ago
- Forbes
Four Seasons Hotel Osaka Raises The Bar For Luxury In The City
Tatami Corner Suite Photo: Ken Seet / Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka Osaka has long been touted as a go-to destination for food and nightlife. And with two international airports and its proximity to Kyoto, the city is one of the most popular destinations amongst visitors to Japan. Now, for hotel enthusiasts and luxury travelers, there's even more of a reason to stay a night or two in the vibrant city thanks to Four Seasons Hotel Osaka. Admittedly, Osaka's luxury hotel scene has long been stagnant. But things began to shift this past year, with Four Seasons leading the charge. Opened last August, this property marks the brand's fourth in Japan (two can be found in Tokyo, another in Kyoto), cementing its presence in the country's triumvirate of most-visited cities. The entrance Photo: Ken Seet / Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka Located in Dojima district, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka is just a stone's throw away from Umeda Station. Once you step into the sleek, sailboat-inspired building (a nod to the city's nautical heritage), you're greeted by friendly staff, a soothing water feature, and neutral interiors that are a welcomed contrast to the bustling city's frenetic energy and bright neon lights. While you'll still find some action on the first floor thanks to the all-day bistro and a grab-and-go counter with coffee and freshly baked treats, things slow down much more as you navigate the rest of the property. Deluxe King Room Photo: Ken Seet / Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka Like the lobby, the 175 accommodations are a pleasant respite. Similarly decorated in beige hues and a combination of light and dark woods, they're meant to ease the mind and reflect the country's general approach to minimalistic decor. Majority of the rooms are more Western in nature, with subtle Japanese touches in the form of shoji-influenced blinds and locally crafted teaware. But for those seeking a greater sense of place, the hotel also offers ryokan -inspired rooms that beautifully blend traditional Japanese archetypes with modern conveniences. Tatami Premier Corner Suite Photo: Ken Seet / Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka Located on what is dubbed the Gensui floor, it's only accessible to guests staying in one of the 21 ryokan -like accommodations. The dimly lit corridors set a moody tone for this 'if you know, you know' space. This partly translates to the contemporary digs' bathrooms, where you'll find dark stone and marble, a stark contrast to the rest of the room's light interiors with tatami mat floors and white futon bedding, made all the more brighter thanks to large picture windows that offer up panoramic views of the cityscape. Arguably the best part of booking one of these coveted rooms, though, is exclusive access to Sabo. Modeled after a ryokan tea lounge, this is where Gensui guests check in, enjoy a welcome matcha, savor complimentary local snacks and tea throughout the day, and sip on sake and Japanese spirits in the evenings. Once morning comes around, slip into your yukata and savor a traditional Japanese breakfast. The 52-foot indoor pool Photo: Ken Seet / Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka For the ultimate relaxation, the full-service spa offers a variety of treatments that include massages, facials, scrubs, and more. And you'll want to carve some time out for the facilities, which include a sauna and both public and private ofuro (Japanese baths). Prefer to stretch your limbs with a few laps? Fret not, there's also a 52-foot indoor infinity pool, with jaw-dropping views of the city to boot. Bar Bota Photo: Ken Seet / Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka And while there are certainly plenty of places to eat in Osaka, the hotel's two fine-dining restaurants are worth the visit. For a unique omakase experience, Sushi L'Abysse Osaka is unlike anything you'll find in the country. A concept by Yannick Alléno, the celebrated chef marries haute French fare with the artistry of sushi chef Yasuda Itaru for a one-of-a-kind menu that celebrates both cuisines in unexpected ways. But if you want to switch things up, Jiang Nan Chun dishes out some of the best Cantonese food in the country thanks to the incredibly talented Hong Kong–born chef Raymond Wong Wai Man. Just don't forget to grab a drink at Bar Bota, where inventive cocktails bear names like Tomato & Cheese, Hinoki & Shiitake, and Sakura & Calamansi. Plus, they have a wide range of Japanese whiskies, naturally, and uninterrupted views of the city.
