A ten-year-old boy remarkably survived the tragic capsizing of a tourist boat in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, an incident that claimed the lives of at least 35 people. The boy, who was on holiday with his family, became trapped when the vessel overturned amidst a sudden storm. While submerged, he discovered an air pocket inside the capsized boat, providing him with a crucial refuge until rescue teams arrived.
Rescued by emergency workers, the boy exhibited no severe physical injuries but faced mental distress from his ordeal. Following his recovery, he was promptly taken to a hospital for further treatment, as reported by local media outlet VietnamNet.
The ill-fated boat, identified as the Wonder Sea, was in the midst of a sightseeing tour when it encountered dangerous weather conditions, leading to the rapid capsizing. Eyewitness accounts from survivors revealed how the suddenness of the events left little time to react. One survivor, a 36-year-old Vietnamese man named Dang Anh Tuan, described the chaotic scene as the boat filled with water, making it difficult to orient himself. He managed to escape through an underwater opening after shedding his life jacket and swam towards a streak of light, eventually clambering onto the capsized vessel to await rescue.
The search efforts continue for additional passengers and crew members, with reports indicating that of the 53 people on board, about ten were rescued, while four still remain unaccounted for. Many of those on the boat were families from Hanoi, including over 20 children, attending a popular tourist destination known for its stunning limestone islands and UNESCO World Heritage status.
The incident has drawn significant media coverage and raised concerns regarding safety measures on tourist vessels operating in adverse weather conditions.