Indian Embassy confirms all victims were Indian nationals
The Embassy of India in Vietnam confirmed on Saturday that all 15 people killed in a boat capsize near Phu Quoc Island earlier that day were Indian nationals. The deceased included two women and 13 men, according to a statement posted on X.
The Embassy shared a list of the deceased received from Vietnamese authorities, revealing that 10 victims were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala.
Embassy expresses grief, offers assistance
In a post on X, the Embassy stated: “It is with profound grief that we share the list of 15 Indian nationals who have lost their lives in the tragic boat accident near Phu Quoc Island today. The list has been received from the Vietnamese authorities. Our prayers are with the families of the deceased. The Embassy and Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City remain available for any assistance.”
The boat was carrying 36 people in total, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members, and one attendant. Twenty-one people — 17 passengers and four crew members — were rescued and admitted to hospitals. Two survivors remain in critical condition and are receiving intensive medical care.
Coast Guard rescue operation
Upon receiving information about the capsized boat near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, the Vietnam Coast Guard Region 4 Command deployed personnel and rescue assets. A coast guard vessel already operating at sea, along with two high-speed rescue boats carrying 40 officers and personnel, was dispatched to the accident site. Rescue forces, together with local residents, managed to bring all 36 people aboard the capsized speedboat safely ashore.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expresses sorrow
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep sorrow over the incident on X, offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. “Deeply saddened by the tragic boat accident in Vietnam involving Indian tourists, which has claimed several precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and for the success of the ongoing search and rescue operations,” he wrote.
Singh added that India stands with the affected families and that the Indian Embassy in Vietnam is providing all possible assistance to those impacted by the tragedy.
