The Vinh Xanh 58 (Sea Wonder) ship carrying 53 passengers, including more than 20 children, was suddenly hit by a thunderstorm and flipped at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The Vinh Xanh 58 (Wonder Sea) boat being pulled to shore early on July 20, 2025.

The accident occurred east of Dau Go Cave in Ha Long Bay, nearly 3 nautical miles (over 5 kilometers) from shore.

Border guards, the navy, police, and port authorities joined force for an overnight search. Many fishing vessels also aided the effort, scanning the water surface and nearshore areas.

Throughout the night, the rescue team worked to salvage the capsized vessel and expanded the search area based on wind direction and water currents.

More than 20 special forces divers from Naval Commando Brigade 126 were deployed to the scene to search inside the vessel. The unit had previously taken part in rescue efforts during several other major river and maritime incidents.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, along with a government task force and Quang Ninh provincial leaders, arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue efforts, following the Prime Minister’s directive.

Searching for the victims and ensuring the safety of the rescue team were the top priorities, Ha stressed. By 9:30 p.m., rescuers had saved 10 people and recovered 31 bodies. Though the rain had stopped by then, strong winds persisted.

The team operated under challenging conditions, as level 4–5 winds (20–38 kilometers per hour) stirred up 1–2 meter waves, reducing visibility and hampering underwater search efforts.

Rescue forces used large cranes to salvage the ship. By around 11 p.m., 34 bodies had been recovered, with 8 people still missing. Most of the victims were from Hanoi and traveling with their families. The oldest passenger was 53 years old, and the youngest was just 3.

Only the bottom of the vessel, which was 24 meters long with a capacity of 12 tons, was visible above the water.

Authorities had thought to salvage the ship right from the start, but there was a possibility that survivors remained inside. Therefore, they prioritized searching for victims first.

At around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, the ship was righted and towed ashore. According to the navy, three more crew members were found inside the cabin. Authorities are still working to verify the status of the boat's captain.

Victims were brought aboard rescue vessels. According to the Department of Search and Rescue Operations under the Ministry of National Defense, by nearly 6 a.m. Sunday, the death toll had risen to 38.

Ten people survived, down by one from last night, as one victim passed away at the hospital. Five remain missing.

After being salvaged, the vessel was handed over to Quang Ninh authorities to be towed ashore. Naval forces and other units remain at the scene to continue the search, racing against time as Storm Wipha is approaching the Gulf of Tonkin.

As rescue vessels scoured the sea for the missing, dozens of ambulances stood by at the foot of Bai Chay Bridge, ready to transport victims.

Starting Sunday evening, the northern part of the gulf is expected to experience strong winds, increasing from level 6 (39–49 kph) to level 11 (103–107 kph), with gusts reaching level 14 (150–166 kph). Waves could reach 3–5 meters near the eye of the storm.

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