Ha long bay: Forty-five out of 49 people aboard the Vinh Xanh 58 tourist boat had been found as of 1:40 am on July 20 following the tragic capsizing incident in Ha Long Bay a day earlier, with 10 survivors, 35 confirmed dead, and four still unaccounted for, the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh province announced on July 20 morning. The boat, carrying 46 tourists and three crew members, was struck by an unexpected thunderstorm while on a sightseeing tour to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island. The steel-hulled vessel, built in 2015, lost GPS signal contact at 2:05 pm on July 19.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the search and rescue operations have been intensified, with emergency services working around the clock to locate the missing individuals. The sudden weather change caught the crew and passengers off guard, leading to the rapid submersion of the vessel. Local authorities have mobilized additional resources to aid in the rescue efforts, hoping to find the missing four.

Efforts are being coordinated with local fishermen and nearby vessels to extend the search area. The People’s Committee of Quang Ninh province is leading the investigation into the incident and assessing the safety measures in place for tourist boats operating in the area. The incident has raised concerns over the protocols followed by tourist operators during adverse weather conditions.

The Vinh Xanh 58 was on a routine sightseeing tour when the weather took a sudden turn. The incident has shocked the local community and tourists alike, highlighting the unpredictable nature of weather patterns in Ha Long Bay. The authorities are urging all tour operators to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their passengers at all times.