Fifteen Indian tourists lost their lives when their speedboat overturned near Phu Quoc island in southern Vietnam, with authorities confirming the incident on Saturday.
The vessel, carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members, capsized during its return journey to An Thoi International Port from Hon May Rut Ngoai island. Twenty-one individuals were rescued and transported to hospitals for treatment.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Local reports indicated the boat departed Hon May Rut Ngoai island after noon on Saturday, sinking approximately 400 meters from the tourist site.
Rescue efforts involved nearby boats and Vietnamese naval units, with social media images capturing the extraction of victims from the water. Witnesses reported delays due to many passengers being trapped inside the submerged vessel.
The Indian embassy in Hanoi stated that rescue operations are ongoing and has established coordination centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to assist affected families. “We are still determining the exact circumstances,” the embassy noted.
The incident echoes a 2023 tragedy in Ha Long Bay, where a tourist boat capsized during a storm, resulting in 39 fatalities.
Phu Quoc, a major Gulf of Thailand destination, and Hon May Rut Island, located 10km south, attract millions annually with their scenic beaches and clear waters.
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