HANOI: At least 15 Indian tourists were killed after a tourist speedboat capsized off Vietnam’s southern island of Phu Quoc on Saturday, authorities said, as rescue teams searched the area and officials launched an investigation into the incident.
According to Vietnamese authorities, the speedboat was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members and one attendant, when it overturned about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai Island while travelling to An Thoi Port.
State media outlet VnExpress reported that 21 people survived the accident, while all those killed were Indian nationals.
Authorities said the boat capsized in rough sea conditions, with large waves reported in the area at the time of the incident.
Rescue Operation
Nearby tourist vessels rushed to the scene within minutes and helped rescue passengers from the water.
However, rescue efforts were complicated as several victims became trapped inside the overturned vessel, according to local media.
Search and rescue operations remained underway as local police and coast guard authorities continued efforts to account for everyone on board.
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam said it was closely monitoring the situation and had established emergency response centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to assist affected families.
“Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing,” the embassy said in a statement, describing the accident as “tragic.”
Investigation Under Way
Vietnamese authorities have launched an investigation into the maritime operator and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, has become one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations in recent years and has seen a growing number of visitors from India.
