15 Indian Tourists Killed as Speedboat Capsizes Off Phu Quoc, Vietnam

The vessel went down in rough seas near the southern Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc on Saturday afternoon, according to local maritime authorities. Rescue efforts involved nearby fishing boats and the Vietnamese Coast Guard, who pulled 21 survivors from the water.

The dead, 13 men and 2 women, were from the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. Their bodies have been taken to a hospital on Phu Quoc for identification and repatriation procedures.

The boat was on a sightseeing tour when it capsized, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Vietnamese officials have opened an inquiry into the incident, focusing on weather conditions and vessel safety compliance.

Indian diplomatic missions in Vietnam are in contact with local authorities and are assisting the families of the victims. The Indian government has expressed condolences and is coordinating the return of the deceased and the welfare of the survivors.