15 dead, several missing after speedboat carrying Indians sinks in Vietnam

15 Dead, Several Missing After Speedboat Carrying Indians Sinks Near Phu Quoc Island

Theindiapostdaily.com – A peaceful day of leisure on Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island turned into a harrowing tragedy on Saturday morning when a speedboat carrying holidaymakers, including multiple Indian tourists, capsized, resulting in fifteen fatalities. According to AFP, the incident occurred shortly after the vessel overturned, leaving several others unaccounted for. The Indian Embassy confirmed it is coordinating with local authorities to track the situation.

Embassy Provides Contact Details for Updates

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam shared details on X, stating that search and rescue efforts are ongoing. It advised contacting the first control room via these numbers: 84 36 281 7930, 84 91 552 37 14, and 84 33 452 0414. An additional contact in Hanoi is available at 84 91 308 9165.

“Tragic events unfolded as a boat carrying several Indian tourists capsized near Phu Quoc Island. Exact details are under investigation, but search and rescue operations are actively taking place,” the embassy noted.

Video Shows Rescue Efforts Amid Chaos

A social media video circulating online appears to depict the aftermath of the accident. It shows a flipped boat drifting in the sea, surrounded by speedboats engaged in salvage efforts. While Mint could not independently confirm the video’s authenticity, a local journalist shared it, describing the incident as occurring near Hon May Rut Ngoai, Phu Quoc, around 10:30 a.m. on July 11. The report mentions that 18 individuals were rescued by early afternoon, though fatalities are still feared, with the official toll pending.

“A speedboat with 32 Indian tourists sank near Hon May Rut Ngoai, Phu Quoc, at approximately 10:30 a.m. on July 11. Eighteen people were recovered by late morning, but the death count remains uncertain,” the journalist’s account states.

Local rescue teams swiftly responded to the accident, with nearby tourist boats also joining the effort. One operator involved in the operation told VnExpress International that their vessel reached the scene within five minutes. However, the rescue proved challenging as several passengers were trapped inside the overturned boat.

“Only a few individuals were retrieved in a conscious state,” the operator explained, as reported by VnExpress International.

The incident occurred in An Thoi, where rough seas were reported at the time. Despite no rainfall, the area was still experiencing strong waves, which may have contributed to the boat’s instability during its operation.