Fifteen Indian tourists died and 16 survivors are returning home after a speedboat capsized near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island, a major tourist hub. The incident involved 32 Indian travelers and four local crew, with 21 rescued and two initially in critical condition.
Phu Quoc Boat Accident: Casualties and Rescue Details
The speedboat, carrying 36 people, overturned near Hon May Rut Ngoai on Saturday. Of the 15 fatalities, 10 were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala. All bodies have been recovered, while one of the two critically injured tourists remains hospitalized in Phu Quoc.
The Indian Embassy in Hanoi confirmed that 15 survivors were discharged and are en route to India, with embassy and consulate teams assisting on-site. Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered an investigation into the cause, with authorities directed to hold responsible parties accountable.
Tourism Impact: Phu Quoc’s Reputation at Stake
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is a key destination for its beaches, coral reefs, and island-hopping tours. The accident occurred as the group returned from an excursion, raising concerns about safety standards in the region’s booming tourism sector.
The exact cause of the capsizing remains undetermined, but the tragedy underscores risks in high-traffic tourist operations. For investors in Vietnam’s travel industry, the incident may prompt scrutiny of regulatory oversight and insurance liabilities.
