At least 15 Indian tourists were killed after a speedboat capsized near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island, as rescue operations continued and the Indian Embassy assisted families, reports Asian Lite News Desk
At least 15 Indian tourists were killed after a speedboat carrying holidaymakers capsized off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, triggering a major search and rescue operation and an emergency response from the Indian Embassy.
Vietnamese authorities said the vessel was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists and four crew members, when it overturned about 400 metres from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island while returning to An Thoi Port. Twenty-one people were rescued and taken to hospital.
The cause of the accident was not immediately clear. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
In a statement posted on X, the Embassy of India in Hanoi confirmed the incident and said it was working to establish the full details.
“In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing.”
In a subsequent update, the embassy said official sources had confirmed that 32 Indian tourists were on board the vessel.
“As per information received from official sources, the following 32 Indian tourists were onboard the boat which capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam a few hours ago. We are ascertaining further details on casualties and would update soon.”
The Indian mission has established emergency control rooms in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to assist affected families and coordinate with Vietnamese authorities as rescue efforts continue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the tragedy, saying he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives. He said Indian Embassy officials were at the site and were extending all possible assistance to those affected.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island in the Gulf of Thailand, is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and island excursions.
