Vietnamese authorities have detained the captain of a speedboat that capsized off the coast of Phu Quoc island, killing 15 Indian tourists, according to police officials on Tuesday. The accident occurred on Monday afternoon when the vessel, carrying 32 passengers and three crew members, encountered rough seas and overturned near the popular resort island.
Details of the Incident
The speedboat, operated by a local tour company, was en route from Phu Quoc to the nearby islet of Hon Thom when it capsized around 2:30 p.m. local time. Rescue teams, including fishing boats and coast guard vessels, managed to save 20 people, but 15 Indian nationals were confirmed dead. The victims included 11 women and four men, aged between 25 and 50.
According to Kien Giang Province police, the captain, identified as Nguyen Van Hieu, 45, was taken into custody for questioning on charges of violating maritime safety regulations. "We are investigating the exact cause of the accident. The captain has been detained to assist with the inquiry," said Colonel Le Van Quang, a police spokesperson.
Victims and Rescue Efforts
The Indian embassy in Hanoi confirmed the deaths and said it was working with local authorities to repatriate the bodies. "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our consular team is providing all necessary assistance to the families," said an embassy official. The survivors, many of whom sustained minor injuries, were taken to a hospital in Phu Quoc for treatment.
Witness accounts suggest the speedboat may have been overloaded and lacked sufficient life jackets. "The boat was swaying violently before it turned over. People were screaming and jumping into the water," said Rajesh Kumar, a survivor from New Delhi. "We were not given proper safety instructions."
Investigation and Aftermath
Local authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident, focusing on whether the tour operator complied with safety protocols. Phu Quoc, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, with speedboat tours being a common activity. The accident has raised concerns about safety standards in the tourism sector.
Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh ordered an immediate safety review of all passenger vessels in the area. "We must ensure such a tragedy does not happen again. Strict action will be taken against those responsible," he said in a statement. The speedboat company, Phu Quoc Express, has suspended operations pending the investigation.
This incident is one of the deadliest maritime accidents involving Indian tourists in Vietnam. In 2023, a similar accident in Ha Long Bay killed five tourists. Indian authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution when using water transport in Vietnam.
