Tragic Boat Capsizing in Vietnam Claims Lives of Indian Tourists
HANOI, Vietnam — A tragic boating accident occurred on Saturday near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, resulting in the deaths of 15 Indian tourists. The speedboat, which was carrying 32 tourists and four crew members, capsized less than half a kilometer from the shore, eyewitnesses reported.
Ashish Kumar, an Indian tourist who witnessed the incident, described the chaotic scene as passengers shouted for help. “The boat was barely moving when it tipped over,” he told reporters. Nearby boats quickly rushed to assist, but it was too late for many.
Once ashore, survivors were met with little medical assistance, raising concerns about emergency preparedness in the area. Kumar shared that several of the passengers were on a company trip organized by Lava International, a smartphone and electronics manufacturer. “Two of my friends died, and another is in critical condition,” he added.
Lava International confirmed that some of its employees and partners were affected by the incident, stating that their priority is to support those impacted and their families.
Rescue Efforts Amid Rough Seas
Witnesses reported that some passengers were trapped inside the capsized vessel. Footage from local news revealed rough waters and strong winds as rescue teams struggled to reach those in distress. Life buoys were thrown to people in the water, and jet skis helped transport survivors back to safety, where they received first aid from bystanders.
Authorities confirmed that 21 people were rescued, and all deceased individuals were recovered. The injured were promptly taken to hospitals for treatment.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has called for an investigation into the incident and urged a review of maritime safety measures in the area. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences via social media, assuring that the Indian Embassy is doing everything possible to assist.
Most of the victims are believed to hail from India’s southern states of Telangana and Tamil Nadu. In response, Telangana officials established a control room for coordinating support and providing information to families. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu urged Indian authorities to expedite assistance to the victims’ families, including the repatriation of deceased individuals.
Growing Indian Tourism in Vietnam
Phu Quoc, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is one of Vietnam’s most attractive beach destinations, known for its pristine sands and clear waters. It draws millions of visitors annually, and interest among Indian tourists has surged. India has become one of the fastest-growing tourism markets for Vietnam, with around 750,000 Indian visitors recorded in 2025, representing a nearly 50% increase from the previous year.
The rise in tourism is attributed to the increasing number of direct flights between major cities in India and Vietnam, along with a favorable e-visa policy.
This tragic incident has cast a shadow over what should have been a memorable trip for many, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in tourist activities.
