Vietnam: Fifteen Indian tourists were killed after a tourist speedboat carrying 32 Indian nationals and four crew members capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, prompting a large-scale rescue operation and an emergency response from Indian diplomatic missions.
The vessel was returning to An Thoi Port after a sightseeing excursion when it overturned near Hon May Rut Island in the Gulf of Thailand. Vietnamese rescue teams rushed to the scene and managed to rescue 21 people, including all four crew members. Several survivors sustained injuries, with two reported to be in critical condition.
The Indian Embassy in Hanoi confirmed the identities of the deceased and said the victims included ten residents of Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala. Embassy officials established emergency control rooms in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to assist affected families, coordinate with local authorities and facilitate consular support.
Vietnamese authorities have launched an investigation into the accident. Preliminary assessments indicate that adverse weather conditions or possible overloading may have contributed to the tragedy, though officials have not yet announced a definitive cause.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the loss of Indian lives, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. He said the Indian Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam were working closely with local authorities to provide all necessary assistance.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the loss of lives as deeply distressing, while Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also conveyed his condolences, praying for the peace of the departed souls and the recovery of those injured.
The accident comes at a time when Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing overseas destinations for Indian travellers. More than 740,000 Indian tourists visited the Southeast Asian nation in 2025, reflecting the growing popularity of destinations such as Phu Quoc among Indian holidaymakers.
The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns over maritime safety at tourist destinations and the importance of strict enforcement of passenger and safety regulations. Vietnamese authorities are expected to submit a detailed report after completing their investigation.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on supporting survivors, assisting grieving families and determining the exact circumstances that led to one of the deadliest overseas accidents involving Indian tourists in recent years.
