At least 15 Indian tourists lost their lives after a speedboat carrying 32 Indian passengers and four crew members capsized near Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam on Saturday afternoon.
According to Vietnamese authorities, the vessel 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. Nearby tourist boats rushed to the scene, but rescue efforts were hampered as many passengers were trapped inside the capsized boat.
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam confirmed the tragedy and announced the setting up of control rooms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to assist affected families. Embassy officials said they were coordinating closely with local authorities as search and rescue operations continued.
Sea conditions off An Thoi were reportedly rough at the time of the incident, though tourist boats were still operating in the area. The boat was on an island-hopping excursion to May Rut Islet, a popular destination known for snorkelling and diving.
This incident has renewed concerns over maritime safety in Vietnam’s tourist hubs. In July 2025, a tourist boat capsized in Ha Long Bay during a sudden storm, killing 35 passengers.
The Indian Embassy has provided emergency contact numbers for families seeking information:
- Ho Chi Minh City Control Room: +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 3714, +84 33 452 0414
- Hanoi Control Room: +84 91 308 9165
