A speedboat carrying 32 tourists (including Indians and Vietnamese) capsized near Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam on Saturday, killing 15 Indian nationals. The vessel's 57-year-old captain, Loc, was arrested the following day on charges of violating maritime safety regulations, along with members of his crew.
Sixteen people survived the incident and have described chaotic final moments — the boat reportedly overturned within seconds after hitting rough seas, trapping several passengers. Eyewitnesses allege crew negligence contributed to the disaster, claiming not everyone had properly worn life jackets and that emergency treatment for the injured was delayed by nearly an hour.
As of the report, 21 bodies had been recovered, with search and identification efforts ongoing. The Indian Embassy in Hanoi is coordinating with Vietnamese authorities to identify victims, support survivors, and arrange repatriation of remains to India.
Less Than 500 Meters Away From Safety
What was meant to be a sightseeing trip near Vietnam's popular Phu Quoc Island ended in tragedy when a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members capsized in rough seas on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The accident claimed the lives of 15 Indian nationals, while 21 others survived. Beyond the devastating loss of life, the incident has raised concerns over the emergency response, after survivors alleged that medical assistance was delayed by nearly an hour. Vietnamese authorities, however, have maintained that rescue efforts were carried out as quickly as conditions allowed.
The boat had departed from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island and was returning to An Thoi Port after the excursion. Although the violent waves, reaching about 3 meters high, may have triggered the accident, survivors argued that the moments that followed were equally crucial. The vessel capsized less than 500 meters from shore within seconds, leaving passengers with little time to react. Some became trapped inside the vessel, while others managed to escape through its openings, struggling to keep themselves afloat amid the rough waves.
After witnessing the incident, nearby tourist boats and local boat operators rushed to the scene to offer help and provide immediate assistance, throwing life buoys attached to ropes into the water. Passengers were rescued using jet skis, which were able to move much faster through the rough waves, while official rescue teams arrived later to join the operation, further fueling the controversy. According to survivors, medical treatment was allegedly delayed by about an hour. One survivor also claimed that no ambulances or emergency personnel were immediately available upon reaching the shore, raising questions about whether quicker medical assistance could have prevented additional deaths. However, Vietnamese authorities denied these allegations, stating that available resources were mobilized immediately. Officials have explained that the rough sea conditions complicated the rescue operation.
In light of the incident, further investigations are underway to determine whether violations of inland waterway safety regulations or other factors, such as negligence, may have contributed to the accident. As of now, the 57-year-old captain, Nguyen Hong Hai, has been detained pending the investigation.
As the investigation continued, Indian authorities worked closely with Vietnamese officials to provide assistance to the victims' families and complete the repatriation process. They have been
assisting the survivors, facilitating the identification of victims and coordinating the repatriation of the deceased to India.
As the investigation progresses, many questions surrounding the cause of the accident and the emergency response remain unanswered. While authorities continue to gather evidence and assist the victims' families, the tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime safety and timely emergency response.
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