Fifteen Indian tourists died when a speedboat capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai island in southern Vietnam on Saturday. The incident occurred about 400 meters from the island, with rough seas contributing to the tragedy. Local authorities reported that there were 32 Indian passengers and four crew members aboard the vessel.
Details of the Speedboat Incident
The capsized speedboat was part of a tourist excursion in the An Thoi Archipelago, a popular destination known for its island-hopping tours. According to VnExpress, multiple tourist vessels quickly responded to the scene, rescuing several passengers trapped inside the boat.
Among the 32 Indians on board, 21 were successfully rescued. Nguyen Tien Hai, a senior Communist official in the area, indicated that the speedboat may have overturned due to heavy winds and high waves, emphasizing that rescue operations were the top priority.
Government and Embassy Response
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, stating he was “extremely saddened” by the accident involving Indian nationals. He extended his prayers for the recovery of the injured and offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
The Indian embassy in Vietnam described the incident as “tragic” and published the full list of the 32 individuals who were on board. They have also set up telephone hotlines to assist affected families during this difficult time.
Safety Concerns in Tourist Activities
This incident raises concerns about the safety of tourist activities in Vietnam, especially during adverse weather conditions. Tourists are advised to be cautious and stay informed about local weather forecasts when engaging in maritime excursions.
- Location: Hon May Rut Ngoai island
- Date: 11 July 2026
- Casualties: 15 dead, 21 rescued
- Nationality: All victims were Indian citizens
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC World. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.