Fifteen Indian tourists have died after their speedboat capsized near southern Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island on Saturday. Authorities confirmed the incident, stating the vessel was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when it overturned.

The accident occurred as the speedboat was returning to the An Thoi International Port after departing from the popular Hon May Rut Ngoai island. The boat capsized approximately 400 metres (a quarter of a mile) from the tourist location.

In total, 21 people were rescued from the water, with those injured receiving hospital treatment. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Social media imagery depicted rescue efforts, showing individuals being pulled from the water and attempts at resuscitation.

Witnesses reported that nearby vessels were the first to respond, assisting in pulling passengers to safety before official rescue teams from the Vietnamese border guards, navy, and coastguard arrived. Many victims were reportedly trapped inside the submerged vessel, complicating rescue operations.

India's embassy in Hanoi confirmed it has established control rooms in the capital and Ho Chi Minh City to coordinate with the families of the victims. The embassy stated that the exact details of the incident are still being ascertained and that local Vietnamese authorities are continuing their rescue operations.

Phu Quoc, situated in the Gulf of Thailand, is a well-known beach destination in Vietnam, attracting millions of tourists annually with its white sand beaches and clear waters. Hon May Rut Island is a popular spot located about 10km south of Phu Quoc.

This incident echoes a previous tragedy in July 2025, when the tourist boat Wonder Sea capsized in Ha Long Bay during a thunderstorm, resulting in 39 deaths. That accident was considered one of Vietnam’s deadliest maritime incidents.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the speedboat's capsizing. The focus is on understanding the circumstances that led to the accident and to prevent future occurrences in the popular tourist region.