A tourist boat returning from an island excursion off southern Vietnam capsized on Saturday, killing 15 Indian visitors.
The vessel was transporting 32 tourists and four crew members when it overturned about 400 metres from the Hon May Rut Ngoai Island near Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, officials confirmed.
Eyewitnesses told VN Express that nearby boats swiftly responded, pulling passengers from the water before border guards, the navy, coast guard, and other rescue agencies arrived. The rescue operation proved challenging due to many individuals being trapped inside the boat and significant waves in the area, the news outlet reported.
While 21 people were successfully rescued, 15 died. Those injured in the incident were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Phu Quoc, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is a highly popular beach destination. Hon May Rut island is nearly 10km south of Phu Quoc, with both areas renowned for their pristine white-sand beaches and clear waters, attracting millions of domestic and international tourists annually.
The exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined. Authorities said that an investigation was currently underway.
