Phu Quoc: At least 15 Indian tourists were killed after a tourist boat carrying 32 Indian nationals capsized off Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam on Saturday, triggering a massive rescue operation and prompting the Indian government to launch emergency assistance for affected families.
According to Vietnamese authorities, the vessel overturned about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai Island in the An Thoi archipelago while on an island-hopping excursion. Twenty-one people, including four crew members, were rescued, while two survivors remain in critical condition and are undergoing intensive medical treatment.
The tragedy is among the deadliest overseas accidents involving Indian tourists in recent years.
Indian Embassy sets up control rooms
Following the accident, the Indian Embassy in Vietnam said it was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Vietnamese authorities.
Emergency control rooms were established at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City and the Embassy in Hanoi to assist affected families and provide information.
The Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City can be contacted at +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 37 14 and +84 33 452 0414, while the control room in Hanoi can be reached at +84 91 308 9165.
"In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island. Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing," the Embassy said in a post on X.
PM Modi, President Murmu express grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "extremely saddened" by the tragedy and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
"My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers for the early recovery of the injured survivors. Our Embassy and Consulate are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities," he posted on X.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed grief over the loss of Indian lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Meanwhile, Lava Mobiles said some of its employees and channel partners were among those involved in the accident. The company said it was working with the Indian Embassy and Vietnamese authorities while extending all possible support to the affected families.
Sea conditions were rough
Authorities said the boat was operating a routine island-hopping tour to May Rut Islet, a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, coral reefs and snorkelling spots.
Although there was no rainfall, officials said sea conditions off An Thoi were rough when the vessel capsized. Several nearby tourist boats rushed to the site and joined the rescue efforts.
The captain, who reportedly had several years of experience operating passenger vessels, was conducting the excursion when the accident occurred.
Search operation ends, probe underway
Vietnamese authorities have concluded the search and rescue operation and launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident.
According to officials, investigators are examining adverse sea conditions, possible mechanical failure and other factors that may have contributed to the tragedy.
The accident comes nearly a year after another major boating disaster in Vietnam. In July 2025, a tourist boat carrying 48 people capsized during a storm in Ha Long Bay, killing at least 35 passengers.
The latest tragedy has once again raised concerns over maritime safety and emergency preparedness at Vietnam's popular tourist destinations as authorities work to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Also read: Four drown in AP’s Krishna river boat capsize
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