Children among 34 dead after tourist boat capsizes in Vietnam

At least 34 people, including eight children, have died after a tourist boat capsized in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, according to state media reports.

The vessel, named Wonder Sea, was carrying 53 individuals,  including five crew members, when it overturned on Saturday afternoon amid strong winds. The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 pm local time (0700 GMT).

Rescue teams have so far recovered 34 bodies and rescued 11 survivors, state-run Vietnam News Agency reported, citing local officials. The search operation is ongoing.

The People's Army Newspaper, quoting local border guards, reported that authorities have yet to release detailed information about the victims, including their nationalities. Most of the passengers were believed to be domestic tourists, including around 20 children, from the capital city, Hanoi.

The tragedy occurred as Storm Wipha swept through the South China Sea, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning to the region. The storm, the third typhoon to affect the area this year, is expected to make landfall along Vietnam’s northern coast early next week.

The severe weather has also disrupted air travel. Noi Bai International Airport reported that nine inbound flights were diverted to alternative airports, while three outbound flights were temporarily grounded due to adverse conditions.

Authorities continue search and recovery operations while monitoring the storm's progression and its potential impact on coastal areas.