Sudden thunderstorm capsizes tourist boat in Ha Long Bay: hydro-meteorological centre
The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicted continued showers and thunderstorms across the Gulf of Tonkin and northern and central of the East Sea, including the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, starting on July 20.
At 2:00 a.m. on July 20, rescue teams begin pumping water out of the capsized tourist boat before towing it ashore. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - A powerful line of thunℱderstorms tore through northern Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin on July 19 afternoon, unleashing torr🍎ential rain, lightning, and fierce winds that culminated in a tragic capsizing of a tourist boat in Ha Long Bay, officials said.
The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting attributed the extreme weather to a convergence zone sweeping through the region, which, combined with three days of scorching temperatures, created unstable atmospheric conditions ripe for severe storms.
Meteorologists classified the event as a Mesoscale Convective System (MCS), a sprawling complex of thunderstorms that can span hundreds of km and persist for up to 24 hours. The system brought heavy downpours, lightning, strong gusts, and scattered whirlwinds to the region.
The provincial hydro-meteorological station had been tracking the developing weather system, issuing warnings based on real-time radar data. Specifically, upon detecting developing convective clouds, the station issued two warnings at 11:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on July 19. The second bulletin warned of showers and thunderstorms affecting areas including Ha Long ward, a popular tourist destination.
According to an urgent report from the provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue, a tourist boat, QN7105, carrying 48 passengers and five crew members, capsized around 3 pm on July 19 after being battered by a sudden whirlwind and thunderstorm. The incident occurred between Hon Ga Choi (Fighting Cock Islet) and Bai Tho mountain, roughly three nautical miles from shore.
Rescue teams pump water out of the boat before towing it ashore. (Photo: VNA)
A total of 47 people have been recovered, with ten survivors and 37 confirmed dead, including four victims whose identities are still being verified. The search continues amid challenging conditions.
The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting anticipated turbulent weather, with a marine bulletin issued at 4:30 am on July 19 forecasting scattered showers and thunderstorms across the Gulf of Tonkin by nightfall, along with the potential for whirlwinds and gusty winds. An extended-range forecast issued on July 18 afternoon had also warned of light rain during the day and thunderstorms at night along the Bai Chay coastal area, including Ha Long Bay, with the possibility of rough seas.
Looking ahead, the centre predicted continued showers and thunderstorms across the Gulf of Tonkin and northern and central of the East Sea, including the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, starting on July 20. The northern part of the northern East Sea is expected to face particularly severe conditions, with heavy rainfall and strong winds forecast./.
Shortly after receiving reports of a tourist boat capsizing near Ti Top Island in Quang Ninh province, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha promptly arrived at the scene to oversee the search and rescue efforts.
At around 1:30am on July 20, the tourist boat QN-7105, which capsized in Ha Long Bay on July 19, was lifted to the surface. During the salvage operation, rescue teams discovered three more victims inside the vessel. As of now, a total of 47 people have been involved in the search and rescue operation. Among them, 10 survivors have been rescued and 37 confirmed dead. The identities of four of the deceased are still being verified.
Describing Agent Orange as one of the most severe and enduring legacies of the war in Vietnam, Vietnam's former Honorary Consul to Belgium Joseph-Michel de Grand Ry warned that its impact – still affecting generations more than five decades later – could last another two to three decades.
Running from August 4 to September 2, under the hashtag #TuHaoVietNam, the campaign invites participants in two categories: “I Love My Country” video clips and “I Love My Country” check-in photos.
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on the issuance date, introduces amendments that integrate the procedure for reporting and explaining the demand for foreign workers into the process of submitting applications for work permits.
With a tight 13-month deadline, the move is under a strategic and urgent policy to bridge educational gaps, train the local workforce, and shore up territorial sovereignty in some of the country’s most remote areas.
The parade and personnel send-off ceremony will officially take place on August 10 at the area surrounding the Statue of King Ly Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang street of Hoan Kiem ward, with the participation of nearly 3,000 officers, soldiers, and local residents.
According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety.
The activities include a Vietnamese language teaching training course for overseas Vietnamese teachers from August 13 to 28 in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thai Nguyen.
Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the mobile vessels return to Tuan Chau island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness.
The Ministry of Construction (MoC) plans to open to traffic 208km of expressways of six key projects by August 19, bringing the country’s total expressway network to 2,476km.
As of July 1, a two-tier local government model started in 34 provinces and cities, streamlining administration but creating a surplus of public properties. If not promptly addressed, these assets could become a financial burden.
Whether they grow up to become journalists, diplomats, or professionals in other fields, these children can one day become bridges of friendship and cooperation, telling new and inspiring stories of Vietnam – China relations, said Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh.
A 21-year-old Indian tourist was successfully resuscitated and treated by doctors at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital after a near-drowning incident left him in critical condition. After three days of intensive care, the man was discharged from the hospital and has since returned to India.
In an document issued on August 5, the PM emphasised the need to stablise living conditions for people hit by floods, landslides, and flash floods in late July and early August in northern and north-central provinces, especially Dien Bien, Son La, and Nghe An which suffered some of the worst damage.
Although millions of Vietnamese were affected by AO, only over 626,000 individuals, including war veterans and their children suffering from dioxin-related conditions, are currently receiving state benefits.
The team’s haul, including one Champion title, 10 golds, seven silvers, and four bronzes, surpassed expectations. Vietnam, competing since 2019, has secured over 200 AIMO medals, cementing its regional standing.
The guiding principle for revising the national energy master plan is that energy development must align with the country’s socio-economic development strategy. The energy system should be optimised as a whole, targeting sustainable and diverse development to ensure stable and adequate energy supply to meet national goals.
The Vietnam Disability Fashion Show 2025 aimed to honour the diverse beauty of individuals, promote humanistic values, and foster equality and social inclusion.
The Party and the Government pay special attention to accelerating the development of clean and green energy sources to support double-digit socio-economic growth target and ensure national energy security, focusing on developing the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power plants.
Under the current Vietnamese law, fully autonomous motor vehicles are classified as smart vehicles and must be licensed for operation, unlike conventional motor vehicles.
