HCMC— Rescuers recovered two more bodies after a tourist boat capsized in Halong Bay during a squall, raising the death toll to 38, with four people still missing, reported the local media
From the night of July 19 to the morning of July 20, search and rescue teams continued to work to locate the missing passengers and crew. At midnight, four large ships were brought in to support the recovery effort. Divers completed inspections around the submerged vessel before securing it with cables to facilitate the lift.
After nearly two hours of technical operations, the vessel, named Vinh Xanh, was successfully salvaged and righted. Two bodies were found trapped inside. Authorities are racing to locate the remaining victims before Storm Wipha reaches the area.
The search and rescue operation involves nearly 1,000 personnel and 100 vessels, including ships and smaller boats, mobilized by Quang Ninh Province. Military Region 3 has deployed 322 personnel and 48 boats. Aerial drones and a military air crew from the Air Defense and Air Force are also on standby for search operations.
The missing individuals include three adults born in 1975, 1979, and 1985, and a child born in 2019.
So far, 31 of the 38 deceased have been identified, and their remains have been returned to their families for burial.
The incident occurred in the afternoon of July 19 when the QN-7105 tourist boat overturned amid a sudden storm. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha arrived on-site that evening to oversee the rescue efforts.
