Vietnam Boat Capsize Indian Tourists Dead Phu Quoc Island Rescue Helpline

Vietnam boat capsize updates: At least 15 Indian tourists were reportedly killed and 21 others rescued after a tourist speedboat carrying 32 Indian nationals and four crew members capsized near Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam on Saturday. Two of the survivors are reported to be in critical condition, while rescue teams continued search and recovery operations after the vessel overturned in rough weather.

The tragedy occurred about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai Island in the An Thoi archipelago, a popular island-hopping destination off Vietnam’s largest island, Phu Quoc. Vietnamese authorities said strong waves and high winds likely contributed to the accident, though the exact cause is under investigation.

The incident has prompted an emergency response from Indian diplomatic missions in Vietnam, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of Indian lives and said officials were in constant touch with Vietnamese authorities.

According to VN Express International and Viet Nam News, the speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists along with four Vietnamese crew members when it capsized around 400 metres from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island.

Authorities in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone said nearby tourist boats were the first to reach the scene before border guards, the Vietnamese Navy, Coast Guard and other emergency agencies joined the rescue operation.

Vietnamese media reported that 21 people were rescued, while 15 tourists died in the accident. Two rescued passengers remain in critical condition.

News agency PTI, citing sources in the Andhra Pradesh government, reported that two people from Andhra Pradesh were killed and three others from the state were hospitalised in the tragedy.

“Preliminary information indicates that two persons from Machilipatnam are among the deceased. We are coordinating with the Indian Embassy and the Vietnamese authorities, and further details will be shared after official confirmation,” Andhra Pradesh sources told PTI.

Three other people from the state were hospitalised following the boat capsize, the sources added.

The tour was organised by Vietnam-based Threeland Travel through local coordinating vendor Sai Vietnam, while the Indian tourist group was reportedly associated with Lava Mobile.

Preliminary reports indicated that Jalalakshmi and Jayashree, both from Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, were among the deceased. Verification of the identities of other affected Indian nationals was underway, the sources said.

The Embassy of India in Hanoi confirmed that the vessel was carrying 32 Indian tourists and released the names of those who were onboard.

The embassy did not immediately identify which of the passengers were among those killed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the tragedy, calling it “extremely saddening”.

“Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic news of a boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam,” Modi said in a post on X.

He said the Indian Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City were providing all possible assistance.

“Our officials are also in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities,” the Prime Minister said, while offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

The Indian Embassy said it had established control rooms in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to assist affected families and provide updates.

The mission said it remained in close coordination with local authorities overseeing rescue and relief efforts.

Located in southern Vietnam near the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is the country’s largest island and one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. Known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs and island-hopping excursions, it has become increasingly popular among Indian tourists following improved flight connectivity and easier visa rules.

Boat excursions around the An Thoi archipelago, including Hon May Rut Ngoai, are among the island’s most sought-after tourist activities.

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