15 killed after speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsizes off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island

A boat carrying several Indian tourists capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, prompting a search and rescue operation by local authorities.

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam said it is closely monitoring the situation and remains in touch with the local administration.

In a post on social media platform X, the embassy said the exact details of the incident are still being ascertained as rescue efforts continue.

The embassy also announced that it has set up a control room in Ho Chi Minh City to provide information and assistance to the families of those affected.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and offered 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," he said.

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Boat carrying 32 Indian tourists capsized off Hon May Rut Ngoai

According to a report by news website VnExpress International, the speedboat, operated by Ocean Pear Island Company, was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when it capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai on Vietnam's largest island, Phu Quoc, on July 11.

The vessel was travelling from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port, located about 25 kilometres from Phu Quoc Airport, when it overturned around 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai, throwing everyone onboard into the sea.

The report said 15 people were killed in the accident, while rescue operations continued for the remaining passengers.

Rescue operation faces difficult conditions

Local authorities have launched a search and rescue operation soon after the speedboat capsized. Several nearby tourist boats also rushed to the scene after spotting the overturned vessel and joined the rescue efforts.

According to the report, sea conditions off An Thoi were rough at the time of the incident. Although there was no rainfall, tourist boats were operating in the area when the accident occurred.

Embassy releases list of 32 tourists

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam released a list of 32 Indians who were onboard the boat which capsized near Phu Quoc Island.

The embassy also released an emergency phone number to provide information and assistance to affected families. "A Control Room at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City has been setup which can be reached at : +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 37 14 and +84 33 452 0414," it said in a social media post.