Overview
- A speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew capsized near the islet Hon May Rut Ngoai while returning to An Thoi port, leaving at least 15 people dead and 21 rescued.
- Rescue teams from nearby tourist boats and the An Thoi coast guard reached the scene and took 21 survivors to hospital, with two reported in critical condition.
- Vietnamese officials said the operator and boat held required licences and gave a preliminary assessment that atypical waves and winds likely contributed to the capsizing.
- India’s prime minister expressed condolences and the Indian embassy in Hanoi opened assistance centres to support victims’ families and monitor the investigation.
- Phu Quoc is a major tourist hub where short speedboat trips are common, and authorities say the probe will examine weather, vessel condition and safety procedures to guide any changes to local tour operations.