The Indian Embassy has released the names of the tourists who died on the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc | Today’s news
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam has released the names of 32 Indian tourists who were on board a boat that capsized near Phu Quoc. “We are investigating further details of the victims and will update them soon,” it said.
At least 15 Indian tourists were killed after a speedboat carrying visitors back from an island trip capsized off southern Vietnam on Saturday (July 11th). The tourist boat was carrying 32 Indian visitors and four crew members when it capsized about 400 meters from nearby Hon May Rut Ngoai Island Phu Quoc, the largest island of Vietnam. Authorities said 21 people were rescued, while the bodies of all the victims were later recovered.
Eyewitnesses told the local news VN Express that nearby boats rushed to the scene immediately after the accident and began pulling the passengers out of the water before border guards, the Vietnamese navy, the coast guard and other emergency services joined the operation.
Rescue efforts were hampered by rough sea conditions and large waves, while several passengers were reportedly trapped inside the overturned vessel, VN Express reported. The Indian tourists injured when the boat overturned were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the tourists were in Vietnam to attend the annual meeting of a private mobile phone company. In a post on social media, PM Modi said officials from the Indian embassy were present at the site and were extending assistance to those affected.
PM Modi also condoled the event on X. He wrote: “Extremely saddened to hear the tragic news of a boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam. My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured survivors. Our embassy and consulate are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities.”
The cause of the accident was not immediately known, the authorities began to investigate the incident.
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of domestic and foreign visitors every year. The island is known for its white sand beaches, clear water and luxury resorts.
According to APHon May Rut Ngoai Island, which the tourists visited before the accident, is about 10 kilometers south of Phu Quoc and is a popular destination for day trips and water activities.
Authorities are continuing to investigate to determine what caused the motorboat to capsize. No other details about the victims or the circumstances leading up to the crash were immediately released. Rescue agencies completed rescue operations after all on board were accounted for, AP reported.
