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

The vessel overturned suddenly in waters near the southern Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc on Saturday afternoon, according to local authorities. The boat had departed from the island and was heading to a nearby islet when the accident occurred.

All 15 victims were Indian nationals, including 13 men and 2 women, hailing from the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. The boat also carried four crew members, all of whom survived.

Rescuers, including nearby boats and the Vietnamese Coast Guard, pulled 21 passengers and crew from the water. The survivors were taken to a local hospital for medical treatment, though their conditions were not immediately disclosed.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the capsizing. Initial reports suggest the boat may have been overloaded or hit by a strong wave, but officials have not confirmed any specific reason.

The Indian embassy in Hanoi is in contact with Vietnamese authorities and is providing assistance to the families of the deceased and the survivors. The incident has raised concerns about safety standards for tourist boats in the region.