Fifteen Indian tourists died after a tourist boat capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam said it is in touch with local authorities and is closely monitoring the situation. According to Vietnamese authorities, the boat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when it overturned near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, off the coast of Phu Quoc. Officials confirmed that 15 Indian tourists lost their lives in the accident.
Indian Embassy Opens Emergency Control Rooms
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam released the names of the 32 Indian passengers who were on board. It later shared the list on X. The embassy also opened emergency control rooms at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City and the Embassy of India in Hanoi to assist affected families and provide updates.
People seeking information can contact the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City at +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 3714, or +84 33 452 0414. The Embassy of India in Hanoi can be reached at +84 91 308 9165.
Boat Capsizes Near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island
The accident happened about 400 metres (1,310 feet) from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island near Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island. The boat overturned while carrying tourists near the popular island destination.
Eyewitnesses said nearby boats quickly rushed to the scene and began pulling passengers from the water. Border guards, the navy, the coast guard and other rescue teams soon joined the operation. However, rescuers faced difficulties because several passengers became trapped inside the overturned boat.
Rescue Teams Save 21 Passengers
Authorities rescued 21 people from the water. Rescue teams later recovered the bodies of all 15 victims. Medical teams shifted the injured passengers to nearby hospitals, where they are receiving treatment. Officials continue to verify all details related to the accident.
What Caused the Boat Accident?
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Nguyen Tien Hai, a provincial official of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party, said officials are still confirming the final number of survivors. According to preliminary findings, strong winds and high waves may have caused the speedboat to overturn. Investigators will continue examining the incident before releasing their final report.
Phu Quoc Remains a Popular Tourist Destination
Phu Quoc, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations. Millions of domestic and international visitors travel to the island every year for its beaches and scenic coastline. Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, around 10 kilometres (6 miles) south of Phu Quoc, is famous for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a favourite spot for tourists.