Phu Quoc: A holiday turned into a devastating tragedy after a tourist speedboat carrying Indian visitors capsized off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island, leaving 15 Indian tourists dead and 21 others rescued. The accident occurred just a few hundred metres from the shore as the boat was returning from an island excursion, prompting a massive rescue operation by Vietnamese authorities.
According to officials, the speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members when it overturned near An Thoi Port, about 400 metres from the coastline. While many passengers were pulled out alive, rescue teams later recovered the bodies of 15 victims, making it one of the deadliest incidents involving Indian tourists in Vietnam in recent years.
Rescue personnel, border guards, naval forces and local fishermen rushed to the scene soon after the boat capsized. Survivors were brought ashore and several of the injured were admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have since concluded the rescue operation.
The Embassy of India in Vietnam has expressed condolences to the bereaved families and said it is working closely with Vietnamese authorities to assist survivors and arrange the repatriation of the deceased. Emergency helplines have also been activated for relatives seeking information.
The Indian Embassy has confirmed the identities of the victims. According to official information, 10 of those killed were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala. Local authorities are completing legal formalities before the bodies are flown back to India.
Vietnamese officials have launched an investigation into the accident. While the exact cause is yet to be established, preliminary reports suggest rough sea conditions may have played a role. Investigators are also examining the vessel’s condition, weather at the time of the incident and whether all safety protocols were followed.
Phu Quoc is among Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations and has seen a sharp rise in Indian visitors over the past few years because of direct flight connectivity and affordable travel packages. The tragedy has once again brought attention to safety standards for tourist boats operating in the region.
As families in India await the return of their loved ones, both Indian and Vietnamese authorities continue to coordinate relief efforts and provide assistance to those affected. A detailed investigation report is expected in the coming days.
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