In brief
A speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew overturned in rough sea conditions about 400 metres from Hon May Rut Ngoai island on 11 July 2026, killing 15 people and leaving 21 survivors. Local officials reported the capsizing may have been caused by heavy winds and high waves, while the Indian embassy in Vietnam confirmed the tragedy and set up hotlines for families. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow and offered condolences to the families. Rescue teams from nearby tourist vessels arrived quickly and continued to provide emergency care to rescued victims. The incident highlights the need for stricter maritime safety protocols for tourist vessels operating around Phu Quoc and the An Thoi Archipelago.
Speedboat capsizes in Vietnam, 15 Indian tourists lost
A speedboat transporting 32 Indian tourists and four crew members overturned near Hon May Rut Ngoai island in the Gulf of Thailand on Saturday 11 July, claiming 15 lives and leaving 21 survivors.
Officials placed the incident approximately 400 metres from the island, where rough sea conditions and heavy winds were reported. Images show a convoy of ambulances lining up on a pier, a grim scene of rescue operations carried out in the abyss waters of the gulf.
Local civilian ships and tourist vessels responded immediately, rescuing passengers trapped in the capsized craft. Though all 15 fatalities were Indian nationals, authorities are still verifying the exact death and survival numbers.
Dan Nguyen Tien Hai, a senior Communist official in the area, confirmed rescue crews are prioritising getting every victim ashore and providing emergency care to the injured.
The incident has attracted official attention from India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sadness and offered prayers to the families of the victims. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam titled the incident “tragic” and opened telephone hotlines to assist relatives and provide information.
Hon May Rut Ngoai is a small island that attracts tourists for island‑hopping boat tours. The incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures for tourist vessels operating in the region.
