HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — A boat returning from an island excursion in southern Vietnam capsized on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of 15 Indian tourists less than 500 meters (0.3 miles) from shore, with witnesses reporting passengers calling for help.
The speedboat, carrying 32 Indian tourists along with four crew members, overturned in the afternoon shortly after departing from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, located near Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, according to authorities.
“The boat hadn’t even traveled half a kilometer before it tipped over,” Ashish Kumar, an eyewitness, told The Associated Press via phone. “We screamed, ‘Help! Help!’”
Nearby boats quickly responded for rescue, but Kumar noted, “It was already too late.”
He mentioned that no emergency medical assistance was available onshore when survivors were brought back.
Several passengers were reportedly part of a company tour organized by Lava International, a smartphone and electronics manufacturer. Kumar said that three of his friends were aboard; two have died, and one is in critical condition.
Lava International confirmed that some employees and partners were involved in the incident, stating, “Our immediate priority is to support those affected and their families.”
Rescue efforts hindered by weather
According to VN Express, witnesses reported that some individuals remained trapped inside the overturned boat. Video footage showed rough seas and strong winds as rescue teams dispersed life buoys to those in the water, while jet skis transported survivors back to shore where beachgoers administered first aid.
Authorities reported that 21 individuals were rescued, and all deceased were recovered. The injured were sent to hospitals.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has called for an investigation and directed authorities to hold responsible parties accountable. He also urged a review of waterway and maritime safety in the area of the accident.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, mentioning that the Indian Embassy is providing necessary assistance.
Many individuals aboard were believed to be from India’s southern states of Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Authorities in Telangana have established a control room to coordinate support and provide information to families. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu also called for immediate aid to the victims and the swift return of the deceased.
Increase in Indian tourists to Vietnam
Phu Quoc, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is among Vietnam’s top beach destinations. Hon May Rut Island is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Phu Quoc, known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters that attract millions of tourists annually.
In recent years, India has become one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing tourist markets, with approximately 750,000 Indians visiting in 2025, a nearly 50% increase from the previous year.
This growth has been attributed to a burgeoning network of direct flights between major cities in India and Vietnam, along with Vietnam’s lenient e-visa policy.
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This story has been updated to clarify that it was a witness, not Modi, who stated that many of the passengers were on a company tour organized by their employer.
