In brief
A speedboat that was ferrying Indian tourists capsized off Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam, killing 15 people including a number of Indian citizens. Rough seas and high winds were cited as contributing factors, and rescue teams from nearby boats managed to pull 21 survivors to safety. Vietnamese officials are still tallying casualties while the Indian embassy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolence and pledged support to the families. The tragedy has reignited calls for stricter safety inspections of tourist vessels operating in the Gulf of Thailand. Many observers note that similar accidents have occurred in the region, highlighting a broader issue of maritime safety for tour operators.
A speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members overturned off Phu Quoc Island, in the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 400 metres from Hon May Rut Ngoai. Fifteen people were reported dead and 21 rescued, according to local media and Vietnamese authorities.
The vessel, operating under a tourist charter, was caught in rough seas and high waves—conditions that senior Communist official Nguyen Tien Hai said may have caused the capsize. Rescue teams from nearby boats were quick to respond, freeing passengers still trapped inside the boat.
Indian nationals were identified as the majority of victims, and the embassy in Hanoi has published a full list of the 32 Indians aboard. It also opened a telephone hotline to offer information and assistance to affected families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted his condolences on X, saying he was “extremely saddened” by the incident and praying for a quick recovery for survivors. His message underscored the diplomatic strain this event places on bilateral relations, especially as tourism is a significant economic sector for both countries.
The tragedy follows a string of accidents involving tourist vessels in the region, including a 2025 Ha Long Bay crash that claimed dozens of lives. Experts call for tighter regulations and better safety training for operators, especially in waters prone to sudden weather changes.
Authorities in Vietnam are continuing investigations to confirm casualty numbers and identify preventive measures. Meanwhile, India is reviewing its overseas tourism policies to ensure better support for citizens abroad.
