Tragic Storm Wipha Claims Lives in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay
Cyclone Wipha Strikes UNESCO Heritage Site
On Saturday, July 19, the severe weather conditions triggered by Storm Wipha caused a tourist vessel to capsize in Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage location.
Fatalities and Missing Persons
- 34 victims have been confirmed dead.
- Several missing individuals remain unaccounted for.
Passenger Profile
The overturned boat carried 53 people, including families with children. The sudden storm overwhelmed the vessel before it could reach safety.
Repercussions and Rescue Efforts
Local authorities initiated search and rescue operations immediately following the incident. The event underscores the vulnerability of coastal tourist traffic during severe weather events.
Storm Wipha
Tourist Vessel Capsizes Amid Severe Weather
The Wonder Sea(s) suffered a capsizing event at around 2:00 p.m. Local media outlets confirmed the occurrence.
Weather Conditions at the Time of the Incident
- High winds
- Hailstones
- Torrential rainfall
- Lightning strikes
The region was struck by a combination of high winds, hailstones, intense rain, and lightning, contributing to the vessel’s collapse.
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Vietnam Boat Tragedy Amid Hailstorm
Witnesses Recapture the Storm
A frantic observer reported to AFP that “hailstones as large as toes fell alongside torrential rain, thunder, and lightning.”
Victims: Vietnamese Tourists
- Most passengers were Vietnamese tourists from Hanoi.
- Estimated 20 children were believed aboard.
Recovery Numbers
So far, 34 bodies have been recovered, including 8 children. At least 12 survivors have been rescued from the water.
One 14‑year‑old boy lived in an air pocket within the hull, survived four hours after the accident per VNExpress.
The rescue operation continues but faces persistent bad weather.
Government Response
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh conveyed condolences to families and ordered an investigation. A government statement promised a “strict handling of violations” related to the capsizing (BBC cited).
Storm Wipha’s Threat
Storm Wipha, the third typhoon to touch the South China Sea this year, is slated to strike Vietnam’s northern coast early next week.
Wind speeds reached 63 mph (101 km/h) with gusts up to 68 mph (126 km/h) per local reports.
Flight Disruptions
Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport already felt the storm’s impact: nine incoming flights were diverted, and three outgoing flights were grounded because of dangerous weather conditions.
Ha Long Bay’s Tourist Allure
Ha Long Bay, 125 miles (200 km) northeast of Hanoi, attracts millions yearly, many taking overnight boat tours to explore limestone islets and caves.
In 2019 alone, it welcomed 4 million tourists.
Lesson: Unseasonal Weather Risks
This disaster underscores the dangers of unseasonal weather and increasingly intense storms.
