Dhaka, July 20 -- The death toll from a tourist boat accident in Vietnam's Halong Bay has risen to at least 38, with several people still reported missing, authorities said, as rescue operations continue ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Wipha.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when a vessel carrying 48 tourists and five crew members capsized in the bay, one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations. It is considered one of the worst boating disasters in the country in recent years.

"At least 38 of those on board have been confirmed dead and 10 rescued," the government said in a statement.

According to the official Vietnam News Agency, all the passengers were Vietnamese nationals, including several children.

A large-scale...