HA LONG BAY, Vietnam (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon when a boat carrying tourists capsized amidst a sudden thunderstorm during a sightseeing tour in Ha Long Bay, a renowned tourist destination in Vietnam. State media reported that the disaster resulted in the death of 34 people, with eight others still unaccounted for.

The vessel, identified as the Wonder Sea, was transporting a total of 48 passengers along with five crew members, all of whom were Vietnamese. Reports indicated that many of the passengers were tourists from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, and included approximately 20 children.

Rescue efforts have been ongoing, with workers successfully saving 11 individuals who were on board the boat when it overturned. The search and recovery operations yielded tragic results as rescuers found the bodies of those who perished near the site of the capsizing. Initially, authorities had reported that 12 individuals had been rescued, but this figure was later adjusted to 11 due to the intense nature of the recovery efforts.

According to accounts from VNExpress newspaper, strong winds were the primary cause of the boat turning upside down. Among the survivors was a 14-year-old boy who managed to be rescued after being trapped in the overturned hull for four hours, highlighting the perilous situation faced by those caught in the storm.

The timing of this catastrophe is particularly concerning as a tropical storm, known as Storm Wipha, is forecasted to approach Vietnam's northern region, including the coast of Ha Long Bay, in the upcoming week. This impending weather system raises further alarm for the area, with the national weather service advising populations to take necessary precautions.

The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, marking one of the most severe maritime accidents in recent memory during a popular tourist activity. The ongoing search operations remain a priority for local authorities who are working diligently to find those missing and ensure the safety of the remaining tourists in the area. The consequences of such incidents underline the importance of stringent safety measures for maritime activities, especially in unpredictable weather conditions.