The victim was identified as Hoang Viet Hung, 46, a passenger on the Vinh Xanh 58 on 19/7. The Hon Gai Port Border Guard Station and Quang Ninh Provincial Police retrieved the body and brought it ashore at 12:20.

Of the 49 people aboard the Vinh Xanh 58 when it capsized due to a sudden storm, 10 have been rescued, 37 confirmed dead, and two remain missing.

Authorities search for victims of the Vinh Xanh 58. Photo: Le Tan

Authorities search for victims of the Vinh Xanh 58. Photo: Le Tan

Before being temporarily suspended due to Typhoon Wipha making landfall today, the rescue operation was expanded to a 9-nautical-mile search area with 28 search teams.

The search resumed this afternoon.

On the afternoon of 19/7, the Vinh Xanh 58 departed with 46 tourists and three crew members for a tour of Ha Long Bay. Captain and boat owner Doan Van Trinh took passengers to Cho Da Islet, Dinh Huong, Ga Choi Islet, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Ti Top Island, scheduled to return to the port later that day.

However, about 35 minutes later, east of Dau Go Cave, a sudden storm with thunder, lightning, and hail caused the boat to capsize, throwing all passengers and crew into the sea.

Le Tan