15 Indian Tourists Die After Speedboat Capsizes Off Phu Quoc, Vietnam

A speedboat carrying tourists capsized in the waters near Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang Province, a popular tourist destination in southern Vietnam, resulting in the deaths of 15 Indian tourists.

According to local media outlets, including the state-run Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and VNExpress, on Saturday (local time), the tourist speedboat overturned at approximately 1:00 p.m. off the coast of Hon May Rut Island, a small island located about 11 kilometers south of Phu Quoc.

Local authorities stated that the vessel was carrying 36 people in total, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members, and one Vietnamese tour guide. The boat had departed from Hon May Rut Island and was heading toward the port of Phu Quoc when it capsized after traveling about 400 meters due to strong winds and rough waves.

Nearby vessels launched a rescue operation and managed to save 21 people, but 15 Indian tourists were found dead.

It was reported that some of the tourists were part of a group trip organized by an Indian electronics company.

Ashish Kumar, an Indian tourist who was on the boat, told the Associated Press, "The boat had not even gone 500 meters (after departure) when it suddenly flipped over. I shouted, 'Save me,' 'Help me.'" He added that while nearby boats immediately attempted to rescue them, "it was already too late."

He further noted that among his three friends who were on the boat, "I heard that two have died and the other is in critical condition."

A boat owner who participated in the rescue told VNExpress that they faced difficulties during the operation because many tourists were trapped inside the capsized speedboat, adding, "Only a few people who were conscious were rescued."

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Public Security to investigate the cause of the accident and to strictly punish those responsible in accordance with the law.

He also urged relevant authorities to provide support to the bereaved families and the injured, and to conduct safety inspections of maritime operations in the area.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that he was "deeply saddened" by the news of the accident. He expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and stated that the Indian Embassy and Consulate are providing all possible assistance.

Phu Quoc is one of Vietnam's premier resort destinations, frequently visited by South Korean travelers as well. In the first half of this year, the island attracted 5.7 million tourists, a 30 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Hon May Rut Island, where the accident occurred, is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, known for its white sandy beaches and clear waters. Many tourists travel between the main island of Phu Quoc and this location by speedboat.

(Photo: Screenshot of VNExpress homepage, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.