Vietnam Speedboat Disaster: 15 Indian Tourists Die Near Phu Quoc Island, PM Modi Expresses Grief
A sightseeing trip in Vietnam ended in tragedy after a speedboat carrying Indian tourists overturned near Phu Quoc Island, claiming the lives of 15 Indian nationals and leaving several others injured. The accident prompted a large-scale rescue operation, with Indian diplomatic missions working closely with Vietnamese authorities to assist survivors and support the families of the victims.
The tourist vessel was reportedly carrying 32 Indian passengers and four crew members when it met with the accident while travelling between Hon May Rut Island and An Thoi Port. Authorities said the boat capsized just a few hundred metres from the shoreline, throwing everyone on board into the sea.
Rescue teams, assisted by nearby tourist boats, rushed to the scene within minutes after spotting the overturned vessel. Despite the quick response, rescuers reportedly faced difficulty reaching several passengers who were trapped inside the capsized boat. Officials later confirmed that 21 people survived, including four crew members, while two of the rescued passengers remain in critical condition.
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam said it has established emergency control rooms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to provide assistance and information to affected families. Embassy officials stated that they are maintaining constant coordination with Vietnamese authorities and will continue extending all necessary support to Indian citizens.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. He also said that India's diplomatic missions in Vietnam are actively assisting those affected by the tragedy.
The Andhra Pradesh government also stepped in after reports indicated that some of the tourists were from the state. State minister Nara Lokesh directed officials to remain in contact with the Indian Embassy and coordinate relief efforts for the victims and their families.
Authorities later confirmed that among those killed were Ravi Teja, a resident of Hindupuram in Andhra Pradesh, and Sridhar, a businessman from Kadapa. Another tourist from Anantapuram district survived the accident and is reported to be safe.
Initial findings suggest that the accident occurred during rough sea conditions, although investigators are also examining whether a mechanical failure may have contributed to the incident. Vietnamese authorities have completed the search-and-rescue operation and launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
The accident has once again drawn attention to maritime safety in Vietnam's popular tourist destinations. Last year, another major boating disaster in Ha Long Bay claimed dozens of lives after a tourist vessel capsized during severe weather, raising questions about safety measures and emergency preparedness in the country's tourism sector.
