A sightseeing trip off Vietnam’s largest island ended in tragedy Saturday after a speedboat carrying Indian tourists overturned just minutes after leaving an island destination, leaving 15 people dead and 21 others rescued.
The vessel, operated by Ocean Pear Island Company, was transporting 32 Indian tourists and four crew members from Hon May Rut Ngoai to An Thoi Port when it capsized about 400 meters from shore at approximately 1 p.m. local time. Initial information released by authorities in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone indicated that everyone on board was thrown into the sea.
Witnesses said nearby tourist boats rushed toward the overturned vessel almost immediately after spotting the accident. Rescue efforts were complicated because several passengers became trapped beneath the capsized boat while rough seas and strong winds battered the area.
One boat owner who joined the rescue operation said his crew arrived within five minutes but found only a handful of passengers still conscious after they were pulled from the water. Although there was no rainfall, sea conditions remained dangerous as waves continued to pound the rescue area.
The An Thoi Border Guard deployed two rescue vessels along with 35 officers and soldiers. Naval units, coast guard personnel and other emergency responders later joined the operation.
Rescuers eventually recovered everyone who had been aboard the vessel. Authorities confirmed that 21 people survived while 15 others, including two women and 13 men, lost their lives. Survivors were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
A representative of Ocean Pear Island Company said the passengers were participating in an island hopping excursion. The boat’s captain, who is in his fifties, has years of experience operating passenger vessels.
The Associated Press independently confirmed that the accident occurred less than half a kilometer from shore.
Indian tourist Ashish Kumar, who survived the incident, described the frightening moments after the boat overturned.
“The boat had not even gone half a kilometer when it just tipped over,” Kumar told The Associated Press by telephone. “We screamed, ‘Help! Help!'”
He said nearby boats responded immediately but many passengers had already become trapped beneath the vessel.
“But by then it was too late,” Kumar said.
He also said emergency medical assistance was not immediately available when survivors reached shore.
Kumar added that several passengers were taking part in a company sponsored tour. Three of his friends were on the boat. Two died while another remained in critical condition.
Indian electronics manufacturer Lava International later confirmed that some of its employees and business partners were among those involved in the accident.
“Our immediate priority is to extend all possible support to those affected and their families,” the company said.
Vietnamese television footage showed emergency teams throwing life rings into turbulent waters as rescue boats and personal watercraft ferried survivors back to shore, where beachgoers and emergency personnel administered first aid.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung ordered a full investigation into the accident and instructed authorities to identify anyone found responsible. He also directed officials to review maritime and inland waterway safety measures in the area.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the victims’ families through social media, saying the Indian Embassy in Vietnam was providing assistance to those affected.
Authorities believe many of the victims came from the southern Indian states of Telangana and Tamil Nadu.
Officials in Telangana established a control center to coordinate assistance for affected families, while Tamil Nadu’s chief minister urged Indian authorities to support survivors and expedite the return of those who died.
Hon May Rut, made up of May Rut Trong and May Rut Ngoai, lies about 10 to 12 kilometers south of An Thoi on Phu Quoc Island. The islands are known for white sand beaches, coral reefs and clear waters, attracting visitors for snorkeling and diving. Boat trips from An Thoi typically take between 20 and 40 minutes.
Tourism continues to expand rapidly across Phu Quoc. The island welcomed about 5.7 million visitors during the first six months of the year, representing a 30 percent increase from the same period last year. Foreign arrivals reached approximately 1.32 million, a 50 percent increase, figures released by the provincial Department of Tourism show.
Vietnam has also become an increasingly popular destination for Indian travelers. The country welcomed about 750,000 Indian visitors in 2025, nearly 50 percent more than the previous year. Officials credit the surge to expanded direct air connections between Indian and Vietnamese cities, along with Vietnam’s simplified electronic visa program.
The accident is expected to prompt renewed scrutiny of passenger safety standards for Vietnam’s growing marine tourism industry as visitor numbers continue to rise.
While investigators have not yet identified the precise cause of the capsizing, maritime safety experts are likely to examine weather conditions, vessel stability, passenger safety procedures and emergency preparedness. The findings could shape future safety regulations for commercial tourist boats operating around Vietnam’s most visited coastal destinations.
Authorities have not announced when the investigation will be completed.
What We Know So Far
Fifteen Indian tourists died after a speedboat carrying 32 tourists and four crew members overturned near Hon May Rut Ngoai, close to Phu Quoc Island. Twenty one people survived and were rescued by emergency responders and nearby tourist boats. Survivors were taken to hospitals while authorities recovered all victims.
What Authorities Are Saying
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered a comprehensive investigation and directed agencies to strengthen maritime safety oversight. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences and confirmed that the Indian Embassy is assisting victims and their families. Officials in Telangana and Tamil Nadu have also launched support efforts for affected families.
Why This Matters
The tragedy comes as Vietnam experiences record growth in international tourism, particularly from India, one of its fastest expanding visitor markets. The accident raises fresh concerns about passenger safety and emergency preparedness in popular island tourism destinations where thousands of visitors travel daily.
What Happens Next
Investigators will determine what caused the vessel to overturn and whether safety regulations were followed. Authorities are expected to review operating standards for tourist boats in the Phu Quoc region, while Indian and Vietnamese officials continue coordinating assistance for survivors and the repatriation of those who lost their lives.
