The vessel capsized about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai, leaving survivors trapped inside for hours before rescue teams arrived
An island-hopping tour through the turquoise waters of Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island turned into a nightmare on Saturday afternoon when a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists capsized in rough seas, leaving at least 15 people dead and the survivors trapped inside the overturned vessel for hours before they were rescued.
The speedboat overturned about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai while ferrying tourists from May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port in Phu Quoc Island, according to Vietnamese news outlet VNExpress. Comprising May Rut Trong and May Rut Ngoai, May Rut Islet is among Vietnam’s most sought-after island-hopping destinations. Located about 10-12 kilometres south of An Thoi, the tropical island is known for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
The scenic journey, which usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes by boat or speedboat, was cut short when the vessel encountered rough seas and capsized.
Rough Seas Hampered Rescue
High waves initially hampered rescue operations, with several tourists trapped inside the overturned boat. Local eyewitnesses said the challenging conditions made it difficult for rescuers to reach those inside until authorities arrived.
Even so, nearby boats rushed to the scene and began pulling survivors from the water. The rescue effort was later reinforced after the Border Guards deployed two vessels and 35 officers and soldiers, allowing the operation to gather pace.
Within a few hours, rescue teams had accounted for all 32 passengers. At least 15 people were confirmed dead, while the remaining tourists survived the accident. Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the tragedy. The company operating the speedboat said the driver, in his mid-50s, was an experienced operator who had spent years ferrying passengers on the route.
Indian Embassy Sets Up Control Room
As news of the tragedy emerged, the Indian Embassy in Vietnam said it was closely coordinating with local authorities and set up dedicated control rooms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to assist the families of those on board.
“In order to provide information and assistance to affected families, a Control Room at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City has been set up, which can be reached at: +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 37 14 and +84 33 452 0414. A Control room has been established in Hanoi and can be reached at +84 91 308 9165. We are available for any assistance and queries,” the Embassy posted on X.
The embassy also released the names of the 32 Indian tourists who were travelling on the speedboat that capsized near Phu Quoc Island. The Embassy also said it was working to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the incident as Vietnamese authorities carried out search and rescue operations.
PM Modi Condoles Deaths
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “extremely saddened” by the tragedy. “My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers for the early recovery of the injured survivors,” he said.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh sought updates on the incident after reports suggested that several tourists from the state could be among those on board. After speaking with senior officials at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi, Lokesh directed officials to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Vietnam, coordinate with the Centre and extend all possible assistance to the affected tourists and their families.
