At least 15 Indian tourists died after a speedboat capsized near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, local authorities confirmed. The vessel, carrying 32 Indian passengers and four crew members, overturned around 1 pm local time during a route from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port.
India Activates Emergency Helplines for Families
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam activated control rooms to assist families seeking information. Dedicated helplines were shared via social media, including numbers for the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and the embassy in Hanoi.
Search and rescue operations continued late into the day, with nearby tourist boats aiding efforts. Some passengers trapped inside the overturned vessel could not be rescued in time, according to a local boat operator.
Phu Quoc Tourism Surge Amid Ongoing Investigation
The accident occurred as Phu Quoc experiences record tourism growth. The island recorded 5.7 million visitors in the first half of 2026, a 30% increase year-over-year, with foreign arrivals up 50% to 1.32 million.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the capsizing. Rescue teams and investigators remain at the scene.
