The tragedy unfolded quickly: the vessel was last tracked at 12:55 p.m. before being struck by the storm around 1:30 p.m. By 2:05 p.m., the ship’s GPS signal vanished, local officials reported.
Halong Bay—located roughly 125 miles northeast of Hanoi—is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Vietnam’s most visited destinations, famous for its limestone karsts and emerald waters. Tour boats are a popular attraction for both local and international visitors.
Storm Wipha, the third tropical storm to churn across the South China Sea this year, is forecast to make landfall along Vietnam’s northern coast early next week. Already, it has disrupted travel, with Noi Bai International Airport rerouting nine incoming flights and temporarily grounding three outbound flights due to dangerous conditions.
Authorities continue to monitor the storm’s path closely as questions mount over safety protocols and the decision to sail in worsening weather.
