Vietnam accident: How a boat carrying 32 Indian tourists capsized near Phu Quoc island, killing 15? | Today’s news
At least 15 Indians died after a speedboat carrying tourists capsized off South Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island on Saturday, state media reported. The vessel carrying 36 people, including 32 Indians and four crew members, capsized about 400 meters from May Rut Ngoai islet, VnExpress news portal reported.
Vietnam accident: How did the ship capsize?
The report said the accident occurred amid rough sea conditions, with strong waves lashing the area. Authorities believe the vessel may have capsized due to rough waters, despite the absence of rain and the continued operation of other tourist boats in the area.
Officials from the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone said the accident caused all passengers and crew on board to be thrown into the sea.
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
The speedboat capsized due to rough sea conditions, with strong waves and winds lashing the area, although no rain was reported.
The speedboat was carrying a total of 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists and four crew members.
Authorities immediately launched a search and rescue operation, rescuing several passengers from the water and taking the injured to hospitals.
The Indian embassy confirmed that several Indian tourists were on board the overturned boat and said they were investigating the exact details of the incident.
A total of 21 survivors were rescued from the boat, with some requiring urgent medical treatment.
Read also | 15 dead, several missing after speedboat carrying Indians sinks in Vietnam
Nguyen Tien Hai, a provincial official of the ruling Communist Party, said a preliminary inspection indicated the speedboat may have capsized due to strong winds and high waves, according to AFP.
(LiveMint could not independently verify the authenticity of the video)
Meanwhile, a search and rescue operation involving tourist boats and the Coast Guard was immediately launched, with several passengers rescued from the water. According to the Tuoi Tre newspaper, 21 survivors were taken to hospital for emergency treatment, including two who were said to be in critical condition.
What did the Indian Embassy say?
The Indian embassy in Vietnam confirmed that the ship was carrying “several Indian tourists”, adding that “exact details of the incident are being ascertained”.
Read also | At least four dead as two migrant boats capsize off Libyan coast, Red Crescent says
“In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists capsized off Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam a few hours ago. The exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations are underway by local authorities,” the Indian Embassy in Vietnam posted on X.
The embassy shares these numbers to reach the first dispatch: 84 36 281 7930, 84 91 552 37 14 and 84 33 452 0414. The second in Hanoi can be reached at: 84 91 308 9165.
PM Modi says embassy is offering all possible help
Condoling the death of 15 Indians in the Vietnam boat tragedy, Prime Minister Modi said, “Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic news of a boat carrying 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.”
Read also | Mathura tragedy: Tourist boat capsizes in Yamuna; 10 dead, several missing
He added: “Our embassy and consulate are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities.”
About May Rut Ngoai
Located south of Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, May Rut Ngoai is a popular tourist destination known for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and diving spots. Most visitors reach the island by speedboat from Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc has seen rapid growth in tourism in recent years, attracting more than 1.8 million international visitors last year.
Vietnam has experienced several shipping accidents over the years, often contributed by extreme weather, flooding and poor vessel maintenance.
In July last year, a tourist boat carrying families capsized in northern Vietnam’s famous Ha Long Bay after it was hit by a sudden storm, killing 39 people.
