Tourist boat capsizes in Vietnam, at least 38 dead

The death toll from a tourist boat accident in Vietnam's Halong Bay climbed to at least 38 with several people still missing, the government said, as rescuers continued to search for survivors while bracing for the approach of Typhoon Wipha. The vessel capsized on Saturday afternoon carrying 48 tourists and five crew members in one of the worst boating accidents in recent years in the popular tourist area. The capsize happened near the Dau Go Cave, one of the largest in the bay. Halong Bay is a popular tourist hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage site, comprising about 1,600 limestone islands and islets. The official Vietnam News Agency reported that all the tourists were Vietnamese, including several children.
Dozens of rescuers, including border guards, navy personnel, police and professional divers, have been deployed. Although the sea had calmed, weather conditions limited visibility, making rescue operations difficult. Rescuers managed to retrieve the sunken boat, the government said. As per reports, the boat turned upside down because of strong winds. A national weather forecast said Storm Wipha was expected to hit Vietnam's northern region, including Ha Long Bay's coast next week.