15 Dead, 21 Rescued as Boat Carrying Indian Tourists Capsizes in Vietnam

At least 15 people have died after a speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsized off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, while 21 others were rescued, Vietnamese authorities said.

The vessel, operated by Ocean Pear Island Company, was ferrying tourists from Hon May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port when it overturned about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai at about 1 p.m., throwing all 36 people on board into the sea.

Nearby tourist boats rushed to the scene and began rescue efforts before emergency responders arrived. Witnesses said the rescue operation was complicated by rough sea conditions and the fact that several passengers were trapped inside the overturned boat.

Rescue teams later recovered all 36 passengers. Authorities confirmed that 15 people, including two women and 13 men, died in the accident, while 21 others survived.

Following the tragedy, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City established emergency control rooms to assist affected families and coordinate with Vietnamese authorities.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incident as deeply saddening. He said the Indian Embassy and Consulate were working closely with local authorities to provide all possible assistance to survivors and the families of those affected.

Vietnamese authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

The An Thoi Border Guard deployed rescue vessels and personnel, while the navy, coast guard and other emergency agencies joined the search and recovery operation.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian tourists, particularly for island-hopping, snorkelling and diving excursions.