An island-hopping excursion around Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island turned tragic on Saturday afternoon. A speedboat with 32 Indian passengers overturned in rough seas roughly 400 metres from Hon May Rut Ngoai while heading toward An Thoi Port. At least 15 people died and others remained trapped inside the hull for hours until help arrived.
The vessel was travelling between May Rut Islet and the port when high waves struck around 1 pm local time. The islet, known for clear waters and coral reefs, draws many visitors for day trips that normally last 20 to 40 minutes.
Rescue efforts faced delays from strong tides. Nearby boats reached the site first and pulled people from the water. Border Guard units later joined with two vessels and 35 personnel, completing the operation within hours. All 32 passengers were accounted for, with 15 confirmed dead.
The operator stated the driver, in his mid-50s, had extensive experience on the route. Authorities are still examining the cause.
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam established control rooms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to assist families and released the names of those on board. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow and confirmed that missions in Vietnam were providing support.
The deaths affected Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Tamil Nadu reported ten fatalities. Andhra Pradesh recorded three, and Kerala two. State governments coordinated with federal authorities and the embassy to aid survivors and relatives.
