At least 15 people have died after a speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsized off the southern coast of Vietnam, with rescue teams continuing search and recovery efforts following the tragic accident.
According to local authorities and Vietnamese media reports, the vessel overturned on Saturday about 400 metres from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island in the An Thoi Archipelago, located near Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Thailand.
Officials said there were 36 people on board the speedboat, including 32 Indian tourists and four crew members. The vessel is believed to have capsized after encountering rough seas, strong winds and high waves during the journey.
Nearby tourist boats responded quickly after the accident and rushed to the scene to assist. Rescue teams worked to free passengers trapped inside the overturned vessel while others were pulled from the water.
Vietnam’s VnExpress newspaper reported that 21 people were rescued alive. Emergency responders transported survivors to shore for medical treatment, while search operations continued for any remaining victims.
Authorities said the death toll could change as rescue workers complete recovery efforts and verify the identities of those involved. Officials are also investigating the exact cause of the accident.
Nguyen Tien Hai, a senior Communist Party official in the region, said weather conditions are believed to have played a significant role in the tragedy.
He said the immediate priority was rescuing survivors, recovering victims and ensuring those injured received urgent medical attention.
Hon May Rut Ngoai is one of the most popular destinations in southern Vietnam, attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors each year for island-hopping tours, swimming and water activities. The island lies around 10 kilometres south of Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island and a major tourist destination known for its beaches and resorts.
The accident has drawn attention to safety conditions for tourist boats operating in the area, particularly during periods of rough weather. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the vessel had encountered any mechanical problems before overturning.
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam described the incident as a tragic loss of life and said it is working closely with Vietnamese authorities to assist those affected. The embassy released the names of the 32 Indian nationals believed to have been on board and established emergency telephone hotlines to provide information and support to relatives.
Diplomatic officials said they are coordinating with local authorities regarding rescue operations, medical assistance for survivors and arrangements for the families of those who lost their lives.
As recovery efforts continue, Vietnamese authorities have urged tourist boat operators to closely monitor weather conditions and follow safety regulations, while investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding one of the country’s deadliest recent maritime accidents involving foreign tourists.
