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15 Indian tourists die after boat capsizes near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island
The boat capsized around 400 metres (1,310 feet) off Hon May Rut Ngoai Island near Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island, state media reported, citing authorities
A boat carrying capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island, killing at least 15 Indian tourists. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam said it is in touch with local authorities and is closely monitoring the situation.
Authorities confirmed that a total of 15 Indian tourists are among the people who have died in the incident. The boat was carrying 36 tourists, including 32 Indians and four crew members, when it capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc, the authorities said.
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The Indian embassy shared the names of the 32 people who were onboard, later on X. It also said control rooms have been established at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City and at the Embassy in Hanoi to provide information and assistance.
The Indian embassy in Vietnam has given following numbers to reach the first control room: 84 36 281 7930, 84 91 552 37 14 and 84 33 452 0414. The other one in Hanoi can be reached at: 84 91 308 9165.
The boat overturned about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Island
The boat capsized around 400 metres (1,310 feet) off Hon May Rut Ngoai Island near Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island, authorities told state media, according to AP.
Eyewitnesses said nearby boats rushed to the scene and began pulling passengers from the water before border guards, the navy, coast guard and other rescue teams joined the operation. Rescue efforts were hampered as several passengers were trapped inside the overturned vessel, a report said.
Authorities said 21 people were rescued, while all 15 victims were recovered. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Phu Quoc, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is one of Vietnam's most popular beach destinations. Hon May Rut Island, about 10 kilometres (6 miles) south of Phu Quoc, is known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, attracting millions of domestic and international tourists every year.
What was the cause of the accident?
Nguyen Tien Hai, a provincial official of the ruling Communist Party, said authorities were still working to confirm the exact number of survivors, according to the state media report cited by AFP. Hai said preliminary assessments indicated that the speedboat may have overturned due to strong winds and high waves.
