15 Indian tourists die after speedboat capsizes in southern Vietnam
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In a tragic incident reported from the southern part of Vietnam, a tourist boat returning from an island trip capsized on Saturday, July 11, resulting in the deaths of 15 Indian tourists.
Eyewitnesses stated that nearby boats rushed to the scene and began pulling passengers from the water before border guards, the navy, coast guard, and other rescue agencies arrived. The rescue was difficult because many were trapped inside, VN Express reported, adding that there were big waves in the area.
The cause of the accident is not immediately clear, and an investigation was underway.
The speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when it overturned about 400 meters (1,310 feet) from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, which is near Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, authorities were quoted as saying.
Eyewitnesses stated that nearby boats rushed to the scene and began pulling passengers from the water before border guards, the navy, coast guard, and other rescue agencies arrived. The rescue was difficult because many were trapped inside, VN Express reported, adding that there were big waves in the area.
Twenty-one people were rescued, and all the dead were recovered, authorities said. The injured have been taken to hospitals.
PM Narendra Modi took cognizance of the event and said the tourists were taking part in an annual meeting of a private mobile phone company. He wrote on social media that the Indian Embassy personnel were at the scene.
Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic news of a boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 11, 2026
My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers for the early recovery of the injured survivors.
Our Embassy and Consulate are…
Phu Quoc in the Gulf of Thailand is one of Vietnam's most popular beach destinations. Hon May Rut Island is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Phu Quoc. They're known for their white-sand beaches and clear waters, and draw millions of domestic and foreign tourists each year.
The cause of the accident is not immediately clear, and an investigation was underway.