15 Indian Tourists Killed After Speedboat Capsizes Off Vietnam Coast

At least 15 Indian tourists were killed after a speedboat carrying visitors capsized off the coast of Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam on Saturday. Authorities rescued 21 people, while efforts continued to verify the final number of victims.

According to local authorities, cited by VnExpress and Reuters, the vessel was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when it overturned about 400 meters from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island amid rough seas and strong winds.

Nearby tourist boats quickly joined the rescue operation, pulling several passengers from the overturned vessel. Emergency responders later transported survivors to shore for medical treatment.

Hon May Rut Ngoai, part of the An Thoi archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, is a popular tourist destination located about 10 kilometers south of Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island.

Nguyen Tien Hai, a senior local Communist Party official, said authorities are working to confirm the exact number of fatalities and survivors. Preliminary findings suggest that strong winds and high waves caused the accident.

"Our top priority is to continue rescue operations, bring all victims ashore, and ensure immediate medical care for survivors," Hai said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the tragedy in a post on X, offering sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

The Embassy of India in Vietnam described the incident as "tragic," released the list of the 32 Indian passengers and activated an emergency hotline to assist affected families.