Vietnam has ordered a detailed investigation into the tourist speedboat accident off Phu Quoc Island that claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists, with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung directing authorities
to determine the exact cause of the tragedy and ensure accountability for those found responsible.
The accident took place on Saturday when a tourist speedboat carrying 36 people, 32 Indian tourists and four local crew members, capsized approximately 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai Island in the An Thoi archipelago near Phu Quoc, one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations.
According to the Indian Embassy in Hanoi, 21 people were rescued, while all 15 fatalities were Indian nationals.
Vietnamese media reported that Prime Minister Hung instructed relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and take strict action against anyone found responsible.
He also asked authorities to review waterway and maritime safety measures at the accident site and other tourist destinations to help prevent similar tragedies.
VIETNAMESE LEADERS CONVEY CONDOLENCES TO INDIA
Vietnam’s Embassy in India on Sunday said that President To Lam and Prime Minister Le Minh Hung had sent condolence messages to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the accident.
In a statement posted on social media, the embassy said the Vietnamese leaders, on behalf of the country’s Party, State, Government and people, expressed their “sincere sympathies and deepest condolences” to the people of India, particularly the families of those who lost their lives.
The statement added that Vietnamese authorities had immediately launched search-and-rescue operations, arranged medical treatment for the injured, extended assistance to the victims’ families and were coordinating closely with Indian authorities to deal with the aftermath of the accident.
The Indian Embassy in Hanoi confirmed that all 15 people killed in the accident were Indian tourists.
According to a list released by the embassy, 10 victims were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala. Two of those who died were women.
The governments of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala have issued helpline numbers to assist relatives of the victims.
SURVIVOR RECOUNTS MOMENTS BEFORE CAPSIZE
One of the survivors, Nirmal Kumar, said a large wave struck the boat moments before it overturned.
He said the vessel was enclosed, which made escape difficult for many passengers.
According to Vietnamese news portal VN Express International, nearby tourist boats rushed to rescue passengers before border guards, the navy, coast guard and other emergency agencies joined the operation.
Eyewitnesses told the publication that several passengers were trapped inside the overturned vessel, making rescue efforts particularly challenging.
The exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined.
INDIA ASSURES FULL ASSISTANCE
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy, saying he was “extremely saddened” by the loss of Indian lives.
“My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers for the early recovery of the injured survivors. Our Embassy and Consulate are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities,” he said in a post on X.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed condolences, saying she was saddened by the accident and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.
The Indian Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam continue to coordinate with Vietnamese authorities and provide assistance to the victims’ families as the investigation into the deadly accident moves forward.
