The sudden capsizing of the Vinh Xanh 58 tourist boat during a violent storm in Ha Long Bay claimed the lives of 35 people, with 4 still missing. Rescue forces worked through the night under severe weather conditions to search for victims.
A violent storm and an unexpected tragedy
At 12:55 PM on July 19, the Vinh Xanh 58 boat departed with 49 people onboard, including 46 tourists and 3 crew members, on a scheduled route in Ha Long Bay that included visits to Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island.
At around 1:30 PM, the vessel encountered a sudden storm and capsized shortly after. Some passengers managed to put on life vests and jump into the sea, but many were trapped in the cabin or engine room. The boat lost GPS signal at 2:05 PM, marking the moment of the incident.
The boat, a wooden vessel built in 2015, had been licensed and certified for tourism. However, the storm struck with such speed and force that the crew had no time to respond.
The Vinh Xanh 58 tourist boat capsized in Ha Long Bay with 49 people onboard. Photo: Pham CongNearly 1,000 people and hundreds of vehicles were mobilized overnight for the search. Photo: Pham CongThe Vinh Xanh 58 was towed ashore for inspection. Photo: Thach Thao
All-night rescue efforts and a grim toll
Immediately following the incident, Quang Ninh authorities mobilized nearly 1,000 personnel and hundreds of rescue assets, including search-and-rescue boats, local fishing vessels, canoes, elite diving teams, and sonar equipment.
Police deployed 14 vessels and high-speed boats with over 200 officers working directly with rescue teams. Despite harsh weather, they worked overnight to locate the missing, deploying divers, bottom trawling nets, and expanding the search radius around the capsized boat.
Of the 49 people onboard: 10 survived; 35 were confirmed dead and recovered; 4 remain missing: Hoang V. T., Hoang V. H., Hoang T. Q., and Nguyen D. K. P. (born 2019).
By the morning of July 20, the bodies of the 35 deceased had undergone forensic examination and were returned to their families for burial.
The Vinh Xanh 58 was also recovered from the sea and towed ashore for investigation.
Police and specialized units continue to expand the search effort with maximum urgency, including into coral reefs and rocky coastal areas. With Typhoon Wipha approaching, authorities are racing against time, as worsening conditions may force a suspension of the search.
Firsthand accounts of survival
Survivor Vu Anh Tu still in shock after the incident. Photo: Thach Thao
Still shaken, crew member Vu Anh Tu (b. 2000, Quang Ninh) recalled the incident. “It all happened in about 10 seconds - a massive wave hit the right side, flipping the boat. I was in the cabin, everything went dark, and I have no idea how I escaped. Suddenly, I was on the surface.”
Nguyen Hong Quan (b. 1985, Nghe An), a tourist on a post-work trip, described the terror: “About 30 minutes after departure, the storm hit. Wind and rain lashed us as I stood on the second deck. The boat capsized so fast - I just held my breath and scrambled for the stairs to escape. I hit several things but followed the light until I surfaced.”
Dang Anh Tuan (36, Hanoi), another survivor, said the rain had started shortly after the boat departed. Many passengers wanted to return to port, but the operator encouraged them to continue, citing proximity to the first sightseeing point.
One of the youngest survivors was Hoang Nhat M. (b. 2015, Hanoi), who was traveling with family. When the boat capsized, M. ended up in an air pocket where he remained calm and waited for help. After some time, he managed to escape and was rescued by authorities.
Accountability and swift support from authorities
Vice Chairman Nguyen Van Cong said helicopter rescue was not feasible. Photo: Thach Thao
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and leaders from various ministries arrived at the scene to oversee rescue efforts and investigate the cause. Questions have been raised: Why was there no earlier weather warning? Why weren’t helicopters deployed? Will the boat owner be held accountable?
Nguyen Van Cong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, explained that helicopters were deemed unsuitable because the journey from the shore to the accident site takes 15–20 minutes and there was no suitable landing point, raising the risk of further complications.
Quang Ninh authorities have ordered a full inspection of all tourist vessels, particularly wooden boats like the Vinh Xanh 58, and tightened departure procedures during adverse weather.
Provincial police pledged a thorough investigation, stating that those found responsible will be held accountable. However, the immediate priority remains rescue efforts. Results of the investigation will be made public.
In terms of support, Quang Ninh’s provincial government has provided compensation of VND 25 million (approx. USD 980) per deceased victim and VND 8 million (approx. USD 315) for each injured person. Funeral transport costs are also fully covered. The Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee contributed an additional VND 5 million (approx. USD 195) per deceased victim. Several businesses donated up to VND 40 million (approx. USD 1,565) per deceased victim and VND 25 million (approx. USD 980) per injured person.
Hanoi’s Mayor Tran Sy Thanh also issued an emergency directive to assist and visit affected families in the capital. The city’s health department is tasked with coordinating medical care for the injured, while the Department of Home Affairs will ensure proper funeral arrangements for the victims.
Vietnamnet.vn
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