Among the victims of the capsized tour boat in Ha Long Bay, one family of eight from Ha Lam and Hong Ha wards (Quang Ninh) endured unimaginable loss when their vacation turned into a heartbreaking tragedy.

A joyful trip shattered in moments

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Relatives of the victims grieve upon hearing the devastating news. Photo: My Dung

The family of Dinh Van Chien, a resident of Group 44, Area 4, Ha Lam Ward, included his wife, son, and the son’s girlfriend. They had planned the weekend trip with five relatives from Chien’s sister’s family. It was meant to be a happy summer outing.

However, on the afternoon of July 19, a violent thunderstorm swept through the bay, turning joy into panic and relaxation into mourning.

“I had to work that day with my daughter, so we didn’t go with them. Who could have imagined something like this would happen?” Chien said, his voice choked with emotion. “Now my wife and son are back, but my son’s girlfriend and my sister’s 6-year-old grandchild are gone. The others are still missing.”

“I thought I was going to die”

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Relatives and neighbors gather to support and console the grieving family. Photo: My Dung

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Mr. Chien cares for his wife, Mrs. Binh, at Quang Ninh General Hospital. Photo: My Dung

Chien’s son, Dinh Duc Hiep, was one of the few survivors. Visibly shaken, he recounted the terrifying moment. “The wind hit suddenly. It was so strong it flipped the boat over. I thought I wouldn’t make it. But somehow, I found a way out and went back to pull out my mom and a few others. When I reached my girlfriend and tried to resuscitate her, it was too late. She had swallowed too much water and fuel.”

Hiep’s voice trembled and his eyes welled up as he spoke of the woman he imagined spending his future with - now just a memory. The helplessness of losing her right in his arms was etched deeply into his expression.

A child’s life, gone without goodbye

Nguyen Minh D., just 6 years old, was one of the youngest victims. That morning, his parents had gone to work and left him with his grandmother. No one imagined it would be their final parting.

Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, the boy’s aunt, said with tearful eyes, “His mother didn’t even know he was going on a boat trip. When she heard about the accident, she rushed to look for him.”

Inside the family’s small home, grief hung thick in the air. Neighbors and relatives gathered to mourn in silence, unable to grasp the enormity of the tragedy.

Nguyen Thi Phuong, a neighbor, said, “It’s just heartbreaking. He was so little. I hope the missing are found soon.”

A peaceful journey turned devastating

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Mr. Dinh Duc Hiep (far right) is treated at Quang Ninh General Hospital after the traumatic accident. Photo: My Dung

The capsizing of the tour boat not only claimed lives but left behind enduring grief for those who survived. What should have been a peaceful summer cruise became a devastating memory.

As previously reported by VietNamNet, at 12:55 p.m. on July 19, the Wonder Sea cruise (also known as Vinh Xanh 58) was carrying 46 tourists and 3 crew members on a sightseeing tour in route 2 of Ha Long Bay. At 1:30 p.m., the boat was struck by sudden, intense winds and capsized. By 2:05 p.m., all GPS signals were lost.

In response, Quang Ninh authorities mobilized about 300 personnel, including the military, border guards, navy, coast guard, police, and port authorities. Twenty-seven boats and two rescue crafts were deployed for search and rescue operations. A command post was also established to coordinate the efforts, which have continued amid challenging weather conditions.

My Dung