Phu Quoc: Fifteen Indian tourists were killed after a speedboat carrying them overturned near Hon May Rut Ngoai on Vietnam’s largest island Phu Quoc on Saturday.
The boat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members.
The speedboat operated by Ocean Pear Island Company was transporting the tourists from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port, about 25 kilometers from Phu Quoc Airport, around 1 pm on Saturday, when it capsized about 400 meters off Hon May Rut Ngoai.
Most passengers were thrown into the sea, according to initial information from authorities in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, VNExpress reported.
Nearby tourist boats rushed to assist after spotting the capsized boat.
A boat owner involved in the rescue said his vessel reached the scene within five minutes, but the operation was hampered because many tourists were trapped inside the overturned boat.
“Only a few people were brought out conscious,” he said, adding that the sea off An Thoi was rough at the time, although there was no rain and tourist boats were still operating in the area.
Two vessels, with 35 soldiers and officers, were dispatched by the An Thoi Border Guard to the spot. They joined rescue efforts alongside the navy, coast guard and other forces.
Rescuers had brought all 36 people aboard the speedboat to shore by the afternoon. While 21 survived, the remaining, including two women, were confirmed dead.
The speedboat had been taking tourists on an island-hopping trip, a representative of Ocean Pear Island Company said . The captain, who is in his 50s, had many years of experience operating passenger boats, the company said.
May Rut Islet, comprising May Rut Trong and May Rut Ngoai, lies about 10–12 kilometers south of An Thoi in Phu Quoc. Known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs, it is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. The islet is typically reached by boat or speedboat from An Thoi in 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the type of vessel.