15 Indian Tourists Die in Boat Capsizing Near Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

At least 15 Indian tourists died on Saturday when a motorboat capsized near Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam, less than half a kilometer from the shore. The boat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members, returning from a trip on Hon May Rut Nguy Island. Rescue teams pulled survivors from the water, but 15 passengers lost their lives.

Ashish Kumar, an Indian tourist who witnessed the accident, told the AP news agency that the boat capsized shortly after leaving the island, before it had even traveled half a kilometer. Passengers shouted for help, and nearby boats rushed to assist, but Kumar said it was already too late. He also noted that emergency medical teams were not waiting onshore when survivors arrived.

According to Kumar, some passengers were part of a trip organized for employees of the Indian electronics company Lava International and its business partners. Three of Kumar’s colleagues were on the boat; two died and one was critically injured. Lava International confirmed that employees and business partners were among the passengers and stated their priority was to provide all possible assistance to the victims and their families.

Vietnamese authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident.