10-Year-Old Boy Survives Capsized Boat in Vietnam by Trapping Air in a Pocket

Kokcha News Agency: A 10-year-old boy is among the survivors of a tragic boat accident in Vietnam’s Halong Bay, where a tourist boat capsized during a storm, resulting in the deaths of 37 people. The boy, who was traveling with his family, managed to survive by finding an air pocket inside the submerged boat and waiting for rescue.

According to CNN International, the boat, named “Wonder Sea”, was carrying 53 passengers and crew when it capsized due to severe weather conditions. The boy, who was trapped inside the boat, found a small air pocket underwater and clung to it until rescue teams arrived.

The boy, who was relatively unharmed physically but reportedly suffering from psychological distress, was taken to the hospital for treatment. He later recounted the harrowing experience, saying, “Everything happened so fast… I tried to get out, and then the soldiers rescued me.”

Another Survivor’s Story
Another survivor, a 36-year-old Vietnamese man, shared his story of escape, explaining that he threw his life jacket into the water and swam out through a submerged window.

The passengers on the boat were mostly families traveling from Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. The youngest passenger was 3 years old, while the oldest was 53. According to Vietnamese media, there were more than 20 children on board.

Rescue Operations Continue
Rescue operations are still ongoing, with fears that the death toll could rise. The Halong Bay area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination, has been the scene of a massive search and rescue effort involving local authorities, the navy, and emergency services.