Vietnam boat tragedy: Police detain captain, repatriation of 15 Indian victims begins

Vietnamese police have detained the captain of the speedboat that capsized off the country's southern coast, killing 15 Indian tourists, as the Indian Embassy began the process of bringing the victims' bodies back home.

The captain, identified as 57-year-old Nguyen Hong Hai, is being investigated for alleged violations of inland waterway transport safety regulations, according to Vietnamese state media.

The accident occurred on Saturday near Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island and one of its most popular tourist destinations.

The speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members when it overturned less than 500 metres from the shore shortly after departing Hon May Rut Ngoai island while returning from an island excursion.

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Embassy begins repatriation of victims

The Indian Embassy in Hanoi said on Sunday that the repatriation of the 15 deceased Indian nationals had begun.

In a post on social media platform X, the embassy said the mortal remains were being transported to Ho Chi Minh City, where the necessary formalities would be completed before they are flown to India at the earliest.

The embassy said its officials, along with the Consulate team, were closely coordinating with Vietnamese authorities, who had assured full support to ensure the swift transportation of the bodies to India.

According to the list released by the embassy, 10 of the victims were from Tamil Nadu, three were from Andhra Pradesh and two were from Kerala. Two of those who died were women.

Survivors discharged from hospital

The embassy also provided an update on the survivors of the accident.

It said 15 of the 17 surviving Indian tourists had been discharged from hospital after receiving medical treatment and had started their journey back to India.

The group had been rescued after the speedboat capsized on Saturday afternoon, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation involving Vietnamese authorities and emergency teams.

Officials have not yet disclosed what caused the boat to overturn. The ongoing investigation is expected to examine whether safety rules were followed before the vessel departed.

Probe into the accident underway

Vietnamese authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident, with the detention of the captain marking the first major step in the probe.

Police are examining whether negligence or violations of waterway transport regulations contributed to the tragedy.

The accident has cast a shadow over Phu Quoc, a popular destination known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs and island-hopping tours that attract thousands of international visitors every year.

The tragedy has also prompted close coordination between Indian and Vietnamese authorities as efforts continue to support the survivors, complete legal formalities and return the victims to their families.