A devastating boating accident off Vietnam’s southern coast claimed the lives of at least 15 Indian tourists on Saturday after a speedboat carrying 32 Indian visitors and four crew members overturned near the popular tourist destination of Phu Quoc Island. Rescue teams managed to save 21 people, while authorities continued search and recovery operations.
Speedboat Capsized During Return Journey
According to Vietnamese authorities, the speedboat was returning from Hon May Rut Island to An Thoi Port when it capsized approximately 400 metres from the shore near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island. The vessel was carrying a total of 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members and one attendant.
Officials said rough sea conditions, accompanied by strong winds and high waves, are believed to have contributed to the accident. However, investigators are examining all possible causes before releasing their final findings.
Rescue Teams Respond Swiftly
Rescue efforts began almost immediately after the boat overturned. Nearby tourist boats rushed to the scene before Vietnam’s border guards, navy, coast guard and other emergency agencies joined the operation.
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Rescuers deployed life buoys and used smaller watercraft to bring survivors safely to shore. Several passengers were rescued from the sea, while many others were reportedly trapped inside the overturned vessel, making rescue operations extremely challenging.
The rescued passengers were shifted to nearby hospitals, where several remain under medical observation.
Many Victims Trapped Inside the Boat
Local media reports indicated that many of those who lost their lives were unable to escape after the speedboat overturned. Rescue personnel worked for hours to recover bodies from inside the vessel.
Television footage from the accident site showed emergency workers performing CPR on survivors and coordinating large-scale rescue efforts along the coastline. Authorities continued searching the surrounding waters to ensure no passengers remained missing.
Indian Embassy Activates Emergency Response
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam quickly responded by coordinating with Vietnamese authorities and establishing emergency control centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Embassy officials said they were extending all possible assistance to survivors and the families of those affected. They have also remained in close contact with local rescue agencies and hospitals to facilitate medical support and documentation.
PM Modi Expresses Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Indian lives in the accident. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that the victims were employees of a private mobile phone company who had travelled to Vietnam to attend an annual corporate meeting. He stated that officials from the Indian Embassy were present at the site to assist affected families and coordinate with Vietnamese authorities.
Investigation Underway
Vietnamese authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the capsize.
Initial reports suggest that deteriorating weather conditions, including rough seas and strong waves, may have destabilised the speedboat during its return trip. Investigators are also expected to examine the vessel’s condition, operational procedures and compliance with maritime safety regulations.
Officials have not ruled out any possibility as the investigation progresses.
Popular Tourist Destination
Phu Quoc Island is one of Vietnam’s most visited tourist destinations, attracting travellers from across the world with its beaches, coral reefs and island-hopping excursions. Boat tours between nearby islands are among the region’s most popular tourist activities.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns over maritime safety standards for tourist vessels operating in the region, particularly during periods of adverse weather. Authorities are expected to review existing safety measures following the incident.
Families Await Further Information
As rescue and identification efforts continue, families of the victims in India are awaiting official confirmation and assistance regarding the return of their loved ones.
The Indian Embassy has urged relatives to stay in contact through its emergency helplines while officials continue coordinating with Vietnamese authorities. Meanwhile, the focus remains on supporting survivors, completing rescue operations and conducting a thorough investigation into one of the deadliest accidents involving Indian tourists overseas in recent years.
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