15 Indian Tourists Feared Dead After Boat Capsizes Near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island

At least 15 Indian tourists are feared dead after a speedboat carrying 32 Indians capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc on Saturday during an island-hopping trip.

Videos circulating on social media purportedly show the overturned boat surrounded by rescue teams. The footage has not been independently verified.

According to local reports, the accident occurred at around 10:30 am local time. A local journalist initially said 18 people had been rescued while the death toll was yet to be officially confirmed. Later, authorities confirmed that at least 15 people had died, according to the Associated Press.

The Indian Embassy said it is in constant touch with Vietnamese authorities and is closely monitoring the situation. Helplines have been set up by the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City and the Embassy in Hanoi to assist affected families and provide information.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy, saying he was “extremely saddened” by the incident. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured survivors.

“The Indian Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.