HANOI, Vietnam — A speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsized off the coast of southern Vietnam on Saturday, killing 15 people and injuring several others just minutes after departing from a popular tourist island near Phu Quoc, authorities said.
The vessel was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when it overturned shortly after leaving Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, located about 10 kilometers south of Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island. According to authorities, the boat had traveled less than 500 meters (0.3 mile) from shore when the accident occurred.
Emergency responders rescued 21 people, while all 15 victims were later recovered from the water. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, according to Vietnamese authorities.
Ashish Kumar, an Indian tourist who witnessed the tragedy, told The Associated Press that nearby boats immediately rushed to assist after passengers began calling for help.
“The boat had not even gone half a kilometer when it just tipped over,” Kumar said. “We screamed, ‘Help! Help!'”
He said there was no emergency medical team waiting onshore when survivors were brought back, adding that three of his friends had been aboard the vessel. Two of them died, while another remained in critical condition.
Vietnam’s VN Express reported that some passengers became trapped inside the overturned boat. Footage aired by Vietnamese state television showed rough seas and strong winds as rescue personnel threw life buoys to people struggling in the water. Jet skis transported survivors back to shore, where beachgoers and responders administered first aid before ambulances arrived.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung ordered a full investigation into the accident and directed authorities to determine its cause and hold those responsible accountable if negligence is found. He also instructed government agencies to review maritime and waterway safety measures around Phu Quoc and nearby tourist destinations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims’ families in a statement posted on social media, saying the Embassy of India in Vietnam was providing all possible assistance to those affected.
Officials said many of the passengers were believed to be from the Indian states of Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Authorities in Telangana established a control room to coordinate information and support for the victims’ families, while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin urged Indian officials to ensure immediate assistance for survivors and the prompt repatriation of those who died.
The cause of the capsizing has not yet been officially determined. Vietnamese authorities are investigating whether weather conditions, operational issues, or other factors contributed to the accident.
Phu Quoc, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is one of Vietnam’s premier tourist destinations, attracting millions of domestic and international visitors each year. Its surrounding islands, including Hon May Rut Ngoai, are known for white-sand beaches, clear waters, snorkeling, and island-hopping excursions, making maritime safety a critical concern during the busy travel season.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
