A devastating maritime accident occurred off the coast of Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island this Saturday, leaving at least 15 Indian tourists dead. The speedboat, which was carrying 36 passengers, capsized approximately 400 meters from the popular May Rut Ngoai islet. Local authorities and rescue teams immediately launched a search and rescue operation, successfully pulling several survivors from the water, though officials are still working to finalize the exact casualty figures. Preliminary reports from provincial authorities suggest that turbulent sea conditions, specifically heavy winds and high waves, were likely the primary cause of the vessel overturning.

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam has been actively engaged in the situation, releasing a list of the 32 Indian nationals who were on board the vessel and coordinating closely with local officials to provide assistance. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu have expressed their profound grief over the incident, extending their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing a swift recovery to those injured. As Phu Quoc continues to grow as a major international tourism hub, this tragedy highlights the inherent risks of small-boat excursions in the region, drawing global attention to the safety of visitors exploring these popular coastal destinations.