AT least 37 people have died after a packed tourist boat capsized on a sightseeing tour in Vietnam.
The Wonder Sea boat had 53 people – including five crew members – on board in Halong Bay when strong winds hit the area and flipped the vessel.
VNA/VNS PhotoThe boat had 53 people – including five crew members – on board[/caption]
VNA/VNS PhotoSeveral bodies have been recovered so far after the tourist boat capsized[/caption]
Rescue teams have found 11 survivors and recovered 37 bodies so far with five still missing, according to VN Express.
Pictures from the scene show stormy skies as rescue boats surround the capsized vessel – with divers in the water scrambling to find survivors.
It’s understood at least three tourists were rescued by a passing boat.
And a 14-year-old boy was rescued four hours after being trapped in the overturned hull.
Bui Cong Hoan, deputy head of the Halong Cruise Ship Association, said: “Although the ship had overturned and the cabin doors were locked, there was still an air pocket about 50 to 60cm wide, enough for oxygen to get in, so the boy survived.”
The boat overturned near Dau Go Cave around 1.45pm local time – with around 20 children on board, reports say.
Most passengers were reportedly from Hanoi, travelling as families – with the oldest being 53 and the youngest just three.
Authorities have not yet confirmed their nationalities – and rescue operations are ongoing.
Rescuers have been battling stormy weather – with thunderstorms and downpours smashing the bay.
It came shortly after Storm Wipha hit the South China Sea, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning.
It’s the third typhoon to hit the South China Sea this year – and it was set to make landfall along Vietnam’s northern coast early next week.
Halong Bay, situated roughly 125 miles northeast of Hanoi, is dotted with nearly 2,000 islands.
It’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year.
Many companies offer overnight boat tours in the area.
Xuan HoaThe tourist boat capsized in bad weather[/caption]
Quang Ninh border guardsRescuers are trying to find survivors[/caption]