At least 15 Indian tourists lost their lives and 21 others were rescued after a tourist speedboat carrying Indian visitors overturned off Vietnam’s popular Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, triggering a large-scale rescue operation in rough seas. The tragic accident has prompted both Vietnamese and Indian authorities to launch emergency response measures, while an investigation has been ordered to determine the cause of the mishap.
According to officials, the speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists along with four crew members when it capsized approximately 400 metres from the shore near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island while returning towards An Thoi Port. Initial reports suggest that adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and high waves, may have contributed to the accident, although authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause.
Vietnamese rescue agencies, supported by the coast guard, border guards and nearby boats, rushed to the scene soon after the vessel overturned. Rescue teams managed to pull 21 people from the water, several of whom sustained injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Search operations continued for several hours to ensure that no one remained trapped or missing.
Officials confirmed that all 15 deceased were Indian nationals. The group was reportedly visiting the island as part of a company-sponsored trip. Rescue personnel faced significant challenges as many passengers were believed to have been trapped inside the overturned vessel, while rough sea conditions complicated efforts to reach the accident site quickly.
The Embassy of India in Vietnam said it was closely monitoring the situation and had established emergency control rooms in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to assist the affected families. Embassy officials are coordinating with local authorities to facilitate rescue efforts, identify victims and provide all necessary consular support. The mission has also appealed to relatives of those on board to remain in contact through the designated emergency helplines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He assured that the Government of India was providing every possible assistance to those affected and said officials were working closely with the Indian Embassy and Vietnamese authorities to support survivors and expedite necessary arrangements.
Vietnamese authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident to ascertain the circumstances that led to the capsizing. Officials are expected to examine weather conditions, the vessel’s operational status and compliance with maritime safety norms before submitting a detailed report. The government has also directed agencies to review safety procedures for tourist boats operating in the region to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is among Southeast Asia’s most visited tourist destinations and has witnessed a steady rise in Indian tourist arrivals in recent years owing to its beaches, island-hopping excursions and visa-friendly travel policies. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the popular holiday destination and has sparked renewed concerns about maritime safety standards for tourist vessels operating in the area. Authorities are expected to continue their investigation while arrangements are made for the repatriation of the victims and assistance to the survivors.
