At least 15 Indian tourists were killed and several others injured after a tourist boat capsized in rough seas near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island, triggering a massive search and rescue operation.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, July 11: What began as a leisurely island-hopping excursion in one of Vietnam’s most picturesque tourist destinations ended in one of the deadliest overseas tragedies involving Indian tourists in recent years. At least 15 Indian nationals were killed, several others injured, and a number of passengers remained unaccounted for after a tourist boat capsized in rough seas near Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, triggering an intensive multi-agency search and rescue operation.
The vessel, carrying mostly Indian tourists, overturned while returning from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island to An Thoi Port after encountering strong winds and turbulent waters. Rescue teams, assisted by local authorities and maritime agencies, raced against time to pull survivors from the sea, while the Indian Embassy activated emergency protocols to assist victims and their families.
According to Vietnamese state media, the boat was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members and one attendant. Authorities confirmed that 15 Indians—13 men and two women—lost their lives in the accident. Twenty-one people were rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals, with two reported to be in critical condition. Search operations continued through the evening amid difficult weather conditions as divers and rescue personnel combed the waters for any remaining missing passengers.
Boat Overturned Amid Rough Weather
Preliminary reports indicate that the accident occurred shortly after the vessel departed Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, a popular destination for sightseeing and water sports off the coast of Phu Quoc. Strong winds and rough seas reportedly destabilised the boat, causing it to overturn and throwing everyone on board into the water.
Vietnamese authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Officials are examining weather conditions, the vessel’s seaworthiness, compliance with safety regulations and whether all operational protocols had been followed before the boat set sail.
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Indian Embassy Mounts Emergency Response
The Embassy of India in Vietnam confirmed the incident and said it was coordinating closely with Vietnamese authorities to monitor rescue efforts and provide assistance to affected Indian nationals.
“In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing,” the Embassy said in a statement posted on X.
The Indian Ambassador, accompanied by senior embassy officials, left for Phu Quoc to personally oversee consular assistance, liaise with local authorities and facilitate support for survivors and bereaved families.
To help relatives seeking information, the Embassy established round-the-clock emergency control rooms at its offices in Hanoi and the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City.
Emergency Helplines
Consulate General of India, Ho Chi Minh City
- +84 36 281 7930
- +84 91 552 37 14
- +84 33 452 0414
Embassy of India, Hanoi
- +84 91 308 9165
Embassy officials said the helplines would remain operational to provide updates, facilitate documentation, and coordinate with Vietnamese rescue and medical authorities.
Lava International Confirms Employees Were on Board
Indian smartphone manufacturer Lava International confirmed that several of its employees, distributors and business partners were among those travelling on the ill-fated cruise.
The company said it was working closely with the Indian Embassy and Vietnamese authorities to determine the status of its personnel and provide immediate assistance.
“Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of our people. Our teams in India and Vietnam are in constant touch with the affected families and are extending every possible support,” the company said in a statement.
Sources indicated that nearly 110 Lava distributors and employees from South India were in Vietnam on a company-sponsored incentive tour, although officials have not confirmed how many of them were aboard the capsized vessel.
National Leaders Express Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and assured that the Government of India was extending every possible assistance.
“Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam. My sincere condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. My prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured survivors. Our Embassy and Consulate are providing all possible assistance and remain in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief and urged the Ministry of External Affairs to continue working closely with Vietnamese authorities to ensure comprehensive rescue efforts and support for affected families.
“My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. My thoughts are with those who are still missing and with their families enduring an agonising wait,” Gandhi said.
Andhra Pradesh Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh sought an immediate report after preliminary information suggested that tourists from the state could be among those affected. He directed officials to coordinate with the Centre and extend every possible assistance to victims and their families.
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Boat capsizes in Phu Quoc, 18 dead. Most of tourits are Indian pic.twitter.com/VmwDdha0Hn
— Linh (@holinh87) July 11, 2026
Phu Quoc: A Tourism Paradise Shaken by Tragedy
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island and one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. Its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and island-hopping cruises attract millions of visitors every year, including a growing number of Indian tourists.
Cruises to nearby islands such as Hon May Rut Ngoai are considered a highlight of the Phu Quoc experience. However, maritime experts note that weather conditions can change rapidly during the monsoon season, with sudden squalls, strong winds and rough seas posing significant risks to smaller tourist vessels.
Maritime Safety Under Scrutiny
Saturday’s tragedy is likely to renew scrutiny of maritime safety standards governing Vietnam’s thriving tourism industry.
Tourist boats operating in Vietnamese waters are required to be registered, undergo periodic technical inspections, carry sufficient life jackets and emergency equipment, and be operated by licensed captains and trained crew. Authorities also require operators to monitor weather forecasts and suspend voyages whenever sea conditions become unsafe.
Investigators are expected to determine whether weather advisories had been issued before the boat departed and whether all mandatory safety procedures were followed.
Rescue Efforts Continue
Maritime rescue operations around Phu Quoc are coordinated by the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (Vietnam MRCC) in partnership with the Coast Guard, Border Guard, local police, port authorities and emergency medical services.
Rescue boats, divers and patrol vessels continued searching the surrounding waters throughout Saturday despite difficult sea conditions. Nearby fishing and commercial vessels also joined the operation after distress alerts were issued.
As rescue efforts continue and authorities work to identify the victims, families across India remain anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones, while the tragedy has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory holiday in one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destinations.
