A boat carrying 15 Indian crew members capsized off the coast of Vietnam after being struck by giant waves, according to Vietnamese authorities. A video circulating on social media shows the vessel overturned in rough seas, with debris scattered across the water. The incident occurred on July 11, 2026, near the Phu Quy Island group in Binh Thuan Province.
Details of the Accident
The fishing vessel, registered in Vietnam but crewed entirely by Indian nationals, was operating about 20 nautical miles off the coast when it encountered sudden, massive waves. Local coast guard officials reported that the boat was carrying 15 Indian fishermen at the time of the accident. Rescue teams have been deployed, but as of now, all 15 crew members are missing and feared dead.
According to a statement from the Binh Thuan Province Border Guard Command, the boat sent a distress signal early in the morning before communication was lost. The Vietnamese Coast Guard dispatched two ships and a helicopter to the area, but rough weather conditions have hampered search efforts.
Video Evidence and Eyewitness Accounts
A video filmed by a nearby vessel shows the overturned boat bobbing in the water, with waves crashing over its hull. The footage, which has been verified by local authorities, reveals no signs of survivors on the wreckage. “We saw the boat capsized and no one on board. The waves were extremely high,” said a fisherman from a nearby boat who witnessed the aftermath, as quoted by Vietnam News Agency.
The video has been shared widely on social media, sparking concern among families of the crew members. The Indian Embassy in Hanoi has confirmed it is in contact with Vietnamese authorities and is providing assistance to the families.
Impact and Ongoing Search
As of July 12, 2026, search operations have covered over 100 square nautical miles but have found no trace of the missing Indians. The Vietnamese government has deployed additional resources, including divers, to inspect the wreckage. The cause of the giant waves is believed to be a sudden storm that formed over the South China Sea, which has been experiencing unusual weather patterns.
“We are doing everything possible to locate the missing crew members,” said a spokesperson for the Vietnamese Coast Guard. “Our thoughts are with the families during this difficult time.”
This tragedy highlights the dangers faced by fishermen in the region, where unpredictable weather and rough seas are common. The incident has also raised questions about safety protocols for foreign workers on Vietnamese vessels.
