15 Indian Tourists Killed After Speedboat Capsizes Off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island

15 Indian Tourists Killed as Speedboat Capsizes Near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island

Fifteen Indian tourists were killed after a speedboat carrying 32 Indian passengers and four crew members capsized off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, Vietnamese authorities confirmed.

The speedboat, operated by Ocean Pear Island Company, was ferrying tourists from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port when it overturned around 1 pm, about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai. The accident threw everyone on board into the sea.

Tourist boats in the vicinity rushed to the rescue after spotting the overturned vessel. Rescue teams managed to save 21 people, including 17 passengers and all four crew members. However, many passengers were reportedly trapped inside the capsized boat, making rescue efforts challenging. Two survivors remain in critical condition.

Indian Embassy Sets Up Emergency Control Rooms

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam said it was closely monitoring the situation and had established emergency control rooms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to assist affected families.

In a post on X, the embassy said it was coordinating with Vietnamese authorities as rescue operations progressed and that the identities of those affected were being verified.

The embassy later released the names of the 32 Indian tourists who were on board, saying the list was prepared based on official information and that casualty details would be updated as more information became available.

PM Modi Expresses Grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the tragedy, saying he was “extremely saddened” by the loss of Indian lives. He conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved families, wished a speedy recovery to those injured, and said the Indian Embassy and Consulate were providing all possible assistance while remaining in close contact with Vietnamese authorities.

Andhra Pradesh Government Extends Support

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh also reviewed the situation after reports indicated that several tourists from the state were among those on board. He directed officials to coordinate with the Centre and the Indian Embassy to ensure all necessary assistance was extended to the victims and their families.

Victims Identified

Authorities have begun identifying those killed in the accident. Among the victims were A.C. Thomas (57) and his wife Loveni Thomas (56) from Kerala’s Kollam district.

Earlier, officials identified Ravi Teja (41) from Andhra Pradesh’s Hindupuram and Sridhar, a mobile phone shop owner from Kadapa, among the deceased. Another tourist from Anantapur district survived the accident and is reported to be safe.

Rough Sea Conditions Under Investigation

Officials said the sea was rough at the time of the incident, although there was no rainfall. The speedboat was operating a routine island-hopping tour to the popular May Rut Islets, a major tourist attraction known for its beaches, coral reefs and water sports.

Vietnamese authorities have concluded the search and rescue operation and launched a detailed investigation into the tragedy. Investigators are examining rough sea conditions, adverse weather and the possibility of a mechanical malfunction as potential causes of the accident.