Phu Quoc, Vietnam: A tourist excursion near Vietnam’s popular Phu Quoc Island ended in tragedy on Saturday when a boat carrying Indian visitors capsized in rough seas, leaving at least 15 Indian nationals dead and several others injured.
The accident occurred at around 1:00 pm local time (11:30 am IST) shortly after the vessel departed Hon May Rut Ngoai Island for An Thoi Port. According to local media reports, the boat encountered strong winds and turbulent sea conditions, causing it to overturn and throwing all passengers and crew into the water.
The vessel was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members and one attendant. Rescue teams responded immediately, pulling 21 people from the water and shifting them to nearby hospitals. Two of the survivors were reported to be in critical condition, while search and rescue operations continued to locate any remaining missing persons.
The Embassy of India in Vietnam confirmed the incident and said it is working closely with Vietnamese authorities as rescue efforts remain underway. The embassy has also established emergency control rooms to assist affected Indian nationals and their families.
The Indian Ambassador, accompanied by embassy officials, is travelling to Phu Quoc Island to coordinate consular assistance, oversee relief efforts and provide support to the victims and their families.
Consumer electronics company Lava International confirmed that some of its employees and channel partners were among those involved in the accident. According to sources, a group of around 110 Lava employees and distributors from South India was visiting Vietnam at the time of the incident. The company said it is in constant contact with the Embassy of India in Vietnam and local authorities while extending all possible assistance to those affected and their families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the tragedy, offering condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. He said the Indian Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam were providing all possible assistance and remained in close coordination with Vietnamese authorities.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences and urged the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs to continue working closely with Vietnamese authorities to support the ongoing rescue operations and extend every possible assistance to the affected families.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh sought details regarding reports that tourists from the state may have been among those affected. He directed officials to coordinate with the Central Government to ensure timely support and assistance for the victims and their families.
To facilitate communication and emergency assistance, the Indian mission has activated dedicated control rooms at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City and the Embassy in Hanoi. Officials said the helplines will remain operational to provide information, consular support and assistance to families seeking updates on the incident.
Vietnamese authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, while search and rescue teams continue operations in the area. Indian diplomatic missions remain in close coordination with local authorities to assist survivors and support the families of those affected.
