Tourist Boat Capsizes Near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island, Leaving At Least 32 Dead

A tragic boating accident has claimed the lives of at least 15 Indian tourists after a tourist speedboat capsized off the coast of Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam on Saturday.

According to local authorities, the vessel was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members, and one attendant, when it overturned around 400 metres from the shoreline while returning from a sightseeing trip near Hon May Rut Island.

Rescue teams, assisted by nearby boats, border guards, the Vietnamese Navy, and the Coast Guard, launched an extensive search and rescue operation. Twenty-one people were rescued alive and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, while many of the victims were reportedly trapped inside the overturned vessel. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the accident, although rough seas and strong winds are believed to have contributed to the tragedy.

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam has established emergency control rooms in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to assist affected families and is working closely with Vietnamese authorities. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and confirmed that embassy officials are on the ground providing support.

Phu Quoc is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations, attracting thousands of international visitors every year for its beaches and island-hopping experiences. The incident has once again raised concerns over maritime safety and emergency preparedness for tourist vessels operating in the region.

Investigations into the accident are ongoing, and authorities are expected to release further details as rescue efforts continue.