Ha long bay: The death toll after a tourist cruise boat carrying 53 people capsized in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay on Saturday has climbed to 34, according to officials.

According to Anadolu Agency, 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 have reported that so far 11 people have been rescued while 34 bodies have been recovered.

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

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.