Additional Coverage:
Tragic Speedboat Capsizing Near Phu Quoc Claims 15 Indian Tourists
HANOI, Vietnam – A devastating boating accident struck southern Vietnam on Saturday when a speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsized less than half a kilometer from shore, resulting in the deaths of 15 people.
The vessel was returning from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, near Phu Quoc – Vietnam’s largest island and a popular tourist destination – when it overturned shortly after departure. On board were 32 Indian tourists and four crew members.
Ashish Kumar, an Indian eyewitness, recounted the harrowing moments: “The boat had not even gone half a kilometer when it just tipped over. We screamed, ‘Help!
Help!’” Nearby boats rushed to assist, but Kumar said many lives were already lost by then.
Survivors were brought to shore where emergency medical support was reportedly insufficient, according to Kumar. Some passengers were part of a corporate tour organized by their employer, a company that manufactures smartphones and electronic devices. Kumar shared that among his friends on the boat, two had died and another remained in critical condition.
Local media reported that some passengers were trapped inside the capsized vessel. Rescue operations, captured on Vietnamese television, showed rough seas and strong winds as rescuers tossed life buoys and used jet skis to ferry survivors to safety. Onshore, bystanders provided first aid.
Authorities confirmed that 21 people were rescued and all victims who perished were recovered. The injured were hospitalized for treatment.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung ordered a thorough investigation and called for accountability. He also instructed officials to review maritime safety protocols in the area to prevent future tragedies.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and assured that the Indian Embassy was offering full assistance to those affected.
Many of the passengers are believed to hail from the southern Indian states of Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Telangana authorities have established a control room to support families and coordinate efforts, while Tamil Nadu’s chief minister has urged for the repatriation of the deceased and assistance for the survivors.
Phu Quoc, situated in the Gulf of Thailand, is renowned for its pristine beaches and clear waters, attracting millions of tourists annually. Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, located about six miles south of Phu Quoc, is similarly popular as a scenic getaway.
This tragic accident serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in tourist maritime activities.