UPDATE 2- Death toll climbs to 37 after Vietnamese tourist boat capsizes

UPDATES DEATH TOLL, CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE. ADDS DETAILS

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL/ANKARA (AA) – The death toll climbed to 37 after a tourist cruise boat carrying 53 people capsized Saturday in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay, according to officials.

The Wonder Sea cruise vessel overturned in the afternoon near the Dau Go Cave in the Quang Ninh province amid strong winds and heavy rain, local media outlet VN Express reported, citing local provincial officials.

Officials said 10 people have been rescued while 37 bodies were recovered. Among the deceased are four whose identities are still being confirmed.

There were reportedly 48 tourists and five crew members on board, including many families with children.

The boat was recovered and brought to shore early Sunday for investigation, according to Vietnam News.

Earlier, rescue operations were halted due to poor visibility and heavy rain, but later officials said the sea was calm and police and rescue teams were redeployed to search for the missing and possible survivors.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid