Vietnam speedboat tragedy: High waves hampered rescue as passengers became trapped inside overturned vessel
Vietnam speedboat tragedy: At least 15 Indian tourists lost their lives after a speedboat carrying 32 passengers overturned in rough waters near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on Saturday afternoon, officials said.
The accident occurred around 400 metre from Hon May Rut Ngoai while the vessel was returning from May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port, a route popular with visitors exploring the island's tourist attractions.
According to local reports, the speedboat ran into rough sea conditions before capsizing. The sudden accident left several passengers trapped inside the overturned vessel, making rescue efforts difficult during the initial stages.
Local boat operators who witnessed the incident rushed to help even before emergency teams reached the site. However, high waves slowed the operation, forcing rescuers to work carefully to reach those trapped inside the boat.
Vietnamese border guards later joined the rescue mission, deploying additional boats along with personnel to assist in the search and recovery operation.
#WATCH | A tourist boat carrying several Indian nationals capsized near Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam.
Video Source: Voice of Vietnam (VOV) https://t.co/lF8oA6zwci pic.twitter.com/Ko9GUUuUKY — ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2026
Within hours, authorities accounted for all 32 passengers who had been on board. Officials confirmed that 15 tourists died in the accident, while the remaining passengers were rescued.
The speedboat operator said the vessel was being piloted by an experienced captain who had been operating tourist services on the route for several years.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact
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Phu Quoc Island is one of Vietnam's most visited tourist destinations, known for its white-sand beaches, clear waters and island-hopping tours that attract thousands of domestic and international visitors each year. The route between May Rut Islet and An Thoi Port is especially popular among tourists seeking day cruises, snorkelling and diving experiences.
Also Read | Major tragedy in Vietnam: 15 Indian tourists dead as boat capsizes near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island
- With inputs from agencies
