At least 34 people died on Saturday after a tourist boat capsized in Vietnam. Local media report that families from the capital Hanoi were likely on board. Eleven passengers were rescued, and eight are still missing.
The incident happened around 2:00 PM local time near the famous Ha Long Bay, a popular tourist destination in northern Vietnam. The boat capsized due to a severe storm. The nationality of the passengers has not yet been announced. Reportedly, there were more than twenty children among the passengers.
Heavy rainfall and severe hail are making the rescue operation difficult, according to authorities. Divers are searching for the last missing persons who are believed to still be on the ship. The boat had 53 travelers on board, including five crew members, according to the Vietnamese Coast Guard.
Emergency services were able to rescue a fourteen-year-old boy who was trapped in an air bubble for four hours, according to Vietnamese news outlet VNexpress. A ten-year-old boy was also rescued from the water.
Authorities report that the ship met safety requirements. These requirements were checked in January of this year.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has offered condolences to the bereaved. He is urging emergency services to expedite rescue operations.