Latest Toll: 38 Dead in Cruise Ship Capsize Due to Thunderstorm in Vietnam

SadaNews - Official media reported that a ship carrying tourists capsized during a sudden thunderstorm in Vietnam on Saturday afternoon while on a sightseeing trip, resulting in the death of 38 people, while eight others remain missing.

According to reports, the "Wonder Sea" ship was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members, all of whom were Vietnamese, during a tour in Ha Long Bay, a popular destination for visitors.

The "VN Express" newspaper reported that rescue workers saved 11 individuals and recovered bodies near the site of the ship's capsizing.

Authorities had previously reported that 12 individuals were rescued, but later adjusted the number to 11.

The newspaper noted that the ship capsized due to strong winds. Among the survivors was a 14-year-old boy who was rescued after being trapped inside the overturned hull for 4 hours, according to the Associated Press.

"VN Express" reported that most of the passengers were tourists, including around 20 children, from Hanoi, the capital of the country.

A tropical storm is also heading towards the area. The national meteorological forecasts indicated that the storm "Wipha" is expected to hit northern Vietnam, including the coast of Ha Long Bay, in the coming days.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued urgent instructions to authorities urging them to prioritize rescue operations.