At least 15 Indian tourists have died after a speedboat capsized off Vietnam’s popular southern island of Phu Quoc, with 21 others surviving the accident. The vessel was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members, and one attendant, when it overturned about 400 metres into the sea while travelling from Hon May Rut Island to An Thoi Port, according to authorities cited by VnExpress.
VnExpress reported that sea conditions were rough, with large waves in the area at the time. All 36 people on board were brought to shore by the afternoon; the 15 confirmed dead were reported as two women and 13 men. Authorities have not yet released information on injuries among survivors or the condition of those rescued, though medical teams were on standby at An Thoi Port.
India’s embassy in Vietnam said it was monitoring the incident and had established emergency response centres in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to assist affected families. It has also set up control rooms and helplines to support families and remains in contact with Vietnamese authorities.
“Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing,” the embassy said in a statement describing the incident as “tragic.”
The speedboat was operated by Ocean Pear Island Company and was conducting an island-hopping trip. The captain was described as experienced. May Rut Islet, known for its clear waters, sandy beaches, and snorkelling spots, lies about 10–12 km south of An Thoi, with trips typically taking 20–40 minutes by boat.
Rescue teams, including local authorities, coast guards, navy personnel, and nearby vessels, responded quickly to the scene, with nearby tourist boats assisting in the initial response. Local authorities continue to investigate the precise cause of the capsizing, and further updates are expected as operations conclude and inquiries progress.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, has become one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting many Indian visitors in recent years. It offers a range of attractions in the Gulf of Thailand, from luxury resorts to marine activities, and has seen rapid tourism infrastructure development.
The island received 5.7 million tourists in the first six months of this year, up 30% year on year and meeting 68% of its annual target, according to provincial tourism data. Foreign tourist arrivals reached 1.32 million, up 50%.
Indian travellers have shown particular interest in Phu Quoc, with significant growth in searches and visits driven by its beaches, coral reefs, and island-hopping tours. The destination has featured prominently in travel rankings for Indian honeymooners and leisure visitors. Vietnam has recorded strong growth in arrivals from India overall, with hundreds of thousands visiting annually, supported by direct flights and visa policies. Phu Quoc stands out as an affordable yet scenic beach destination.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Indian tourist community visiting Vietnam, with many expressing condolences online. The incident highlights the risks associated with boat travel in coastal areas, even in popular tourist spots, particularly when sea conditions deteriorate, and is the latest in occasional maritime incidents in Southeast Asia where rough seas can quickly affect smaller vessels. Boat tours remain a common way to explore the islands around Phu Quoc, but travellers are advised to check weather conditions and operator safety standards, especially during monsoon-influenced periods.
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