Tragedy in Vietnam: 15 Indian Tourists Killed After Boat Capsizes Near Island

Phu Quoc, Vietnam, July 12, 2026: At least fifteen Indian tourists lost their lives after a tourist speedboat capsized near an island off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc on Saturday, triggering a large-scale rescue operation involving local authorities, the coast guard, and emergency response teams.

According to Vietnamese news portal VN Express International, the tourist speedboat AG 26751, operated by Ocean Pearl Island Company (Minh Huy Phu Quoc Trading and Tourism Co. Ltd.), was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port when the tragedy occurred. The vessel overturned approximately 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai, throwing all passengers and crew into the sea.

Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the accident site, where they launched an intensive search-and-rescue mission despite challenging sea conditions. Several survivors were pulled from the water and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, while authorities continued searching for those still reported missing. Officials have yet to release the identities of the victims as efforts continue to inform their families and verify passenger details.

Preliminary reports suggest that rough weather and strong waves may have contributed to the accident, although the exact cause of the capsize remains under investigation. Maritime authorities have begun examining the condition of the vessel, weather conditions at the time of the incident, and compliance with safety protocols to determine what led to the tragedy.

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam is closely coordinating with Vietnamese authorities to assist the affected families and facilitate necessary consular support. Officials are also monitoring the rescue operation and extending all possible assistance to Indian nationals impacted by the incident.

The devastating accident has sent shockwaves through both India and Vietnam, highlighting the importance of strict maritime safety measures for tourist vessels. As rescue operations continue, authorities remain hopeful of locating any remaining missing passengers while investigations seek answers into one of the deadliest boating accidents involving Indian tourists in Vietnam in recent years.