At least 15 Indian tourists are feared dead after a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, according to local media reports. The Indian Embassy in Hanoi has confirmed the incident but stated that exact details are still being ascertained by local authorities as search and rescue operations continue.
Incident Details and Response
The boat was traveling from Hon May Rut Island to An Thoi Port when it capsized approximately 400 meters from the shore, as reported by the local daily VnExpress. Rough sea conditions were reported in the area at the time of the incident. The Indian Embassy in Hanoi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that a tragic incident had occurred and that search and rescue operations by local authorities were ongoing.
The embassy has established control rooms at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City and at the Embassy in Hanoi to provide information and assistance. The control room in Ho Chi Minh City can be reached at +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 37 14, and +84 33 452 0414. The control room in Hanoi is available at +84 91 308 9165.
Official Statements and Ongoing Efforts
In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi stated: “In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam a few hours ago. Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing.” The embassy urged anyone with information to contact the control rooms.
Local authorities have not officially confirmed the number of fatalities, but VnExpress reported that 15 people have died. The boat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members, making a total of 36 people onboard. The cause of the capsize is under investigation, with rough seas believed to be a contributing factor.
Impact and Safety Concerns
The incident highlights the risks of maritime travel in rough weather conditions. Phu Quoc Island is a popular tourist destination, and this tragedy has raised concerns about safety regulations for tourist boats in the region. The Indian mission has advised tourists to exercise caution and follow local safety guidelines.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with local authorities working to locate any missing persons. The Indian embassy continues to monitor the situation and provide support to affected families.
