Phu Quoc, Vietnam — A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday when a speedboat capsized off the coast of Vietnam, resulting in the deaths of 15 Indian tourists. The boat, carrying 32 passengers from India and four crew members, overturned just a short distance from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, a popular destination known for its beautiful beaches.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene as the boat tipped over shortly after leaving the island. Ashish Kumar, who was part of the group, recounted the chaos as panic-stricken passengers called for help. Despite the swift response of nearby vessels, many were already in dire situations by the time assistance arrived. The boat capsized around 1 p.m., approximately 1,310 feet from the shore, complicating rescue efforts in the choppy waters.
The swift currents and strong winds hampered recovery operations, as rescuers struggled to reach individuals trapped in the sinking vessel. Eyewitnesses reported that some survivors were found unconscious. Footage broadcast on Vietnamese media highlighted the challenging conditions as rescue teams worked valiantly to save those in distress, utilizing life buoys and jet skis to transport survivors back to safety.
Despite the efforts of the border guards and navy, who managed to rescue 21 individuals, the tragic toll rose to 15 confirmed fatalities, including 13 men and two women. All the bodies have been recovered, and the injured have been transferred to local hospitals. Kumar noted the lack of immediate medical assistance upon their return to shore, underscoring how quickly a recreational trip turned into a devastating disaster.
Authorities are still investigating the causes behind the capsizing. In a move to ensure accountability, local police have detained the speedboat’s captain for questioning. Among those lost were employees of Lava International, a smartphone manufacturing company, indicating that at least part of the group was on a corporate outing. Kumar lost two friends in the incident, and another is reported to be in critical condition.
In response to the tragedy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the victims’ families and confirmed that officials from the Indian Embassy in Vietnam were on-site to assist. The embassy described the incident as a heartbreaking event and has established control rooms to help families seeking information regarding their loved ones.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung launched a thorough investigation into the incident and has called for a review of safety protocols for maritime operations across the region. Local authorities in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, where many of the affected tourists hailed from, have also mobilized resources to support grieving families and ensure the swift return of the deceased.
This incident casts a shadow over Phu Quoc, a thriving tourist destination in the Gulf of Thailand, which has seen significant growth in Indian visitors in recent years. The appeal of its clear waters and pristine beaches has attracted countless tourists, contributing to a boom in tourism that has made incidents like this one all the more tragic. As the community grapples with the aftermath, a renewed focus on safety and prevention measures is anticipated to avert such disasters in the future.