HANOI — A speedboat returning from an island excursion off southern Vietnam capsized on Saturday, leaving 15 Indian tourists dead, according to state media reports.
The vessel was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when it overturned roughly 400 meters (1,310 feet) from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, near Phu Quoc, the country’s largest island, authorities said.
Eyewitnesses told VN Express that nearby vessels immediately rushed to the scene to pull passengers from the water before border guards, the navy, the coast guard, and other rescue agencies arrived. The operation was complicated by the fact that many passengers were trapped inside the capsized hull, the outlet reported.
Authorities confirmed that 21 people were rescued and all bodies had been recovered. The injured were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Footage broadcast on Vietnamese television showed rough seas and strong winds as rescue teams threw life buoys to those in the water. Jet skis ferried survivors to shore, where bystanders administered first aid.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung ordered an investigation into the cause of the accident and directed authorities to hold those responsible accountable. He also called for a review of waterway and maritime safety regulations in the area and similar tourist zones.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated the tourists were employees of a private mobile phone company attending an annual meeting. In a social media post, he confirmed that Indian Embassy personnel were on the ground at the scene.
Phu Quoc, located in the Gulf of Thailand, ranks among Vietnam’s most popular beach destinations. Hon May Rut Island lies approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Phu Quoc. The area is renowned for its white-sand beaches and clear waters, attracting millions of domestic and international visitors annually.
The cause of the accident remained unclear as of Saturday, with an investigation underway.
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