New Delhi : A dream island vacation turned into a devastating tragedy after a speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsized off Vietnam’s picturesque Phu Quoc Island, leaving 15 Indians dead and several others injured or missing.

The boat, carrying 32 Indian passengers and four crew members, overturned on Saturday afternoon while returning from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port.

The accident occurred just 400 metres from shore, but rough sea conditions made rescue operations extremely challenging. Several passengers were reportedly trapped inside the overturned vessel as nearby tourist boats rushed to help.

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam has confirmed the incident and established emergency control rooms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to assist affected families. Embassy officials are working closely with Vietnamese authorities as search and rescue efforts continue.

The victims were on an island-hopping excursion to May Rut Islet, a popular tourist destination famous for its crystal-clear waters, snorkelling and diving.

The tragedy has once again raised serious questions over maritime safety in Vietnam’s tourist destinations, coming a year after a deadly boat capsize in Ha Long Bay claimed 35 lives during a sudden storm.

Emergency Helpline (Indian Embassy in Vietnam):

📍 Ho Chi Minh City: +84 36 281 7930 | +84 91 552 3714 | +84 33 452 0414

📍 Hanoi: +84 91 308 9165