A sightseeing trip to one of Vietnam’s most popular island destinations has ended in tragedy after a speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsized off the coast of Phu Quoc, killing at least 15 people.
The vessel, carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members, overturned on Saturday afternoon while returning from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island to An Thoi Port. The accident occurred just a few hundred metres from shore, but rough seas and strong winds made rescue efforts extremely difficult.
Vietnamese authorities confirmed that 21 people were rescued, with several survivors taken to hospital, including two reported to be in a critical condition. Nearby boats joined border guards and emergency services in pulling passengers from the water after the vessel capsized.
The group is understood to have been visiting Vietnam as part of a corporate trip, with many of the passengers linked to Indian electronics manufacturer Lava Mobiles. The victims reportedly came from India’s southern Telangana and Tamil Nadu states.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered an urgent investigation into the cause of the accident and called for a review of safety procedures for tourist boat operators. Authorities are examining whether weather conditions, operational factors or other issues contributed to the tragedy.
The Indian Embassy in Hanoi has established emergency assistance for affected families and is working with Vietnamese officials to support survivors and arrange the repatriation of those who lost their lives.
The accident comes as Vietnam continues to experience strong growth in tourism from India, fuelled by expanded direct air services and simplified visa arrangements. Phu Quoc, known for its beaches and island hopping tours, has become one of the country’s fastest growing holiday destinations.
