15 Dead, Indian Tourists Among Victims in Vietnam Speedboat Capsize

POLICY WIRE — Hanoi, Vietnam — A speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsized near an island in southern Vietnam on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of 15 people, according to local media reports citing regional authorities. The vessel, which had 32 Indian nationals and four crew members on board, overturned approximately 400 meters (1,312 ft) from Hon May Rut Ngoai island amidst rough sea conditions.

Twenty-one individuals were rescued following the incident. Several tourist vessels in the vicinity responded quickly to the scene, with many passengers reportedly trapped inside the boat, Vietnam’s VnExpress said. Some reports indicate that all fatalities were Indian citizens.

Nguyen Tien Hai, a senior Communist official in the area, stated that authorities are continuing efforts to confirm the precise number of both deceased and survivors. VnExpress quoted Hai as suggesting that heavy winds — and high waves may have contributed to the speedboat’s capsizing. Hai emphasized that The top priority is rescue, bringing all victims ashore and focusing all efforts on providing emergency care to those who are still alive.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences regarding the tragedy. In a post on X, Modi stated he was “extremely saddened to learn about the tragic news of a boat accident involving Indian nationals” in Vietnam. He added, My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers for the early recovery of the injured survivors.

The Indian embassy in Vietnam characterized the incident as “tragic.” The embassy released a complete list of the 32 Indian nationals who were on the capsized boat and established telephone hotlines to “provide information and assistance to affected families.”

Hon May Rut Ngoai, a small island situated within the An Thoi Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, is a popular destination for tourists seeking island-hopping boat tours. The island is located approximately 10 kilometers (six miles) south of Phu Quoc, which is Vietnam’s largest island.