- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 20 Jul 2025 09:49 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Vietnam Boat Tragedy: A 10-year-old boy miraculously survived a deadly tourist boat accident in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay by hiding in an air pocket inside the capsized vessel. The tragic incident, which occurred on Saturday, has already claimed the lives of at least 37 people, with more still missing. The boy’s survival has emerged as a rare story of hope amid the devastating tragedy.
The boy had been travelling with his family aboard the Wonder Sea, a sightseeing ship carrying 53 people, when the boat was caught in a sudden squall. The storm struck without warning, overturning the vessel in one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations. As the boat capsized, chaos ensued, and passengers scrambled for safety.
In the midst of the panic, the child found himself trapped inside the vessel. Against the odds, he managed to locate a small air pocket and stayed put, holding on to life as water surrounded him. According to rescuers, he was discovered relatively unharmed but in a state of psychological distress.
Local media outlet VietnamNet reported that the boy was immediately warmed up by rescue teams and transferred to a nearby hospital for observation. “Everything happened so fast,” he reportedly told the rescue crew. “I tried to get out, and then the soldiers rescued me.”
Ongoing Rescue Efforts And Rising Toll
Search and rescue operations continue in difficult weather conditions. So far, only 10 survivors have been pulled from the wreckage. Authorities have confirmed 37 deaths, revising an earlier higher toll but cautioning that the number could rise as more bodies are recovered. The boat had been carrying mostly Vietnamese families from the capital city Hanoi, many of whom were vacationing together.
Among those who narrowly escaped was a man named Tuan, who had been visiting Ha Long Bay with 11 university friends. Only three of them survived. He and a few others clung to the capsized boat for two hours until emergency teams arrived. Ha Long Bay, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws millions of tourists annually.