15 Indians dead as tourist boat capsizes off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island
36 people, mostly from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, were aboard the vessel when it overturned; 21 rescued as Indian Embassy activates helpline and control room
NewsArc Bureau | Phu Quoc, Vietnam
A boat carrying Indian tourists capsized near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island on Saturday, killing at least 15 Indian nationals. The vessel had 36 people on board at the time of the accident.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to news agency Reuters, 32 of the 36 people aboard the boat were Indian nationals, with most of them hailing from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Local media reported that the accident occurred around 10:30 am local time. Of those aboard, 21 people have been rescued so far.
The boat was ferrying Indian tourists from Hon Mot to Ngoai island, a popular getaway near Phu Quoc known for its clear waters, secluded beaches and coral reef diving spots. Tourists typically hire boats or speedboats from An Thoi port to reach the island. The vessel overturned roughly 400 metres short of the shore.
RESCUE OPERATION UNDERWAY
Local administration and rescue teams launched a search-and-rescue operation soon after the boat capsized. Visuals from the scene showed the overturned vessel in the water with rescue personnel working nearby. Some bystanders reportedly administered CPR in an attempt to revive tourists pulled from the water, while local residents were seen assisting in recovering bodies from the sea.
INDIAN EMBASSY RESPONSE
The Indian Embassy said it has set up a control room to assist affected travellers and is in constant touch with Vietnamese authorities. Three helpline numbers have been issued for people seeking information: +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 3714, and +84 33 452 0414.
In a statement, the embassy said it remains in contact with local administration and that all possible assistance is being extended to Indian citizens affected by the accident.
This is a developing story. NewsArc will update this report as more details emerge.
