At least 15 Indian tourists died when a speedboat with 32 Indian passengers and four crew members overturned near Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam on Saturday, according to Vietnamese news outlet VnExpress International.
Local officials in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone stated the vessel, run by Ocean Pear Island Company, was transporting visitors from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port when it flipped around 1 pm roughly 400 metres from Hon May Rut Ngoai, sending all aboard into the water.
Other tourist boats nearby quickly reached the site after seeing the capsized craft. One operator involved in the rescue said his boat arrived within five minutes, yet many passengers remained trapped inside, complicating efforts.
The Indian Embassy reported it was monitoring developments and had opened control rooms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to help affected families. It noted that search and rescue operations by local authorities were continuing.
The embassy provided contact numbers for the control rooms and stated it was offering assistance and information to relatives.
The Indian Embassy later published the names of all 32 Indian tourists on the boat, compiled from official sources, while verifying further casualty details.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the incident involving Indian nationals and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. He said he was deeply saddened and wished quick recovery for the injured, adding that Indian missions in Vietnam were providing full support and staying in touch with Vietnamese authorities.
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh directed officials to assist those affected after reports indicated some tourists might be from the state. He reviewed the situation with staff in New Delhi and state officials, ensuring coordination with the central government.
Reports noted rough sea conditions off An Thoi at the time, though no rain was falling and boats were still operating. The vessel was on an island-hopping tour, and its captain, in his 50s, had years of experience. The destination, May Rut Islet, lies about 10-12 kilometres south of An Thoi and features clear waters, beaches and reefs popular for snorkelling and diving.
