Fifteen foreign tourists were killed and 21 other people were rescued after a tourist speedboat overturned off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on July 11 afternoon, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation and an urgent government investigation.

According to authorities in An Giang Province, the accident occurred at about 1 p.m. on July 11 when the tourist speedboat AG-26751 capsized in waters off An Thoi Ward, approximately 400 meters from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island as it was returning to An Thoi International Port.

The vessel, operated by Minh Huy Phu Quoc Tourism Co., Ltd., had departed An Thoi International Port at around 10:30 a.m. carrying visitors on a sightseeing trip to Hon May Rut Ngoai.

On the return journey, the speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists, three crew members, including the captain, and one tour guide when it encountered strong winds and rough seas before overturning.

Authorities said all 36 people on board fell into the water.

Rescue efforts began immediately after the accident was reported. Coast Guard units, Border Guard forces, police, military personnel, medical teams, local authorities and nearby tourist boats joined the operation.

By 3:30 p.m., rescuers had brought everyone ashore.

Officials confirmed that 21 people survived, while 15 passengers died, including 13 men and two women, all of whom were foreign nationals.

Survivors were transported to hospitals in Phu Quoc for emergency treatment.

Authorities cordoned off parts of An Thoi Port as rescue vessels continued transporting victims and emergency personnel worked at the scene.

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The tourist speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists, three crew members and one tour guide when it capsized. Photo: Courtesy of local residents.
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Ambulances stand by at An Thoi Port to transport survivors to hospital for emergency treatment. Photo: H.T.

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Access to the An Thoi Port area was restricted following the speedboat accident. Photo: H.T.

According to provincial authorities, the bodies of the victims are being preserved while identification procedures and consular arrangements continue. Five victims will be transferred to Kien Giang General Hospital, while the remaining ten will be taken to Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

Local authorities have arranged accommodation, medical care and psychological support for surviving passengers while coordinating assistance for victims' families.

The Vietnam Coast Guard Region 4 Command said it immediately dispatched the patrol vessel CSB 2002, two rescue boats and 40 officers and personnel to the scene.

During rescue operations, authorities also identified approximately 70 foreign tourists stranded on Hon May Rut Ngoai after the accident. Coast Guard and Border Guard vessels safely transported all of them back to Phu Quoc, providing drinking water, food and medical assistance during the journey.

Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident and are inspecting operators providing water-based tourism services across Phu Quoc.

Speaking to Vietnam Television, Tran Minh Khoa, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Quoc Special Zone, said the speedboat possessed valid operating permits and was licensed to carry 34 passengers. At the time of the accident, it was carrying 32 passengers, in addition to three crew members and one tour guide.

Khoa said preliminary assessments indicate that strong winds and rough seas caused the vessel to overturn.

He added that authorities would tighten safety oversight of maritime tourism, stressing that vessels would not be allowed to depart whenever weather conditions pose safety risks.

Following the accident, Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc issued an emergency directive expressing condolences to the victims' families and ordering ministries and local authorities to focus on rescue efforts, medical treatment, victim support and a comprehensive investigation.

The Prime Minister instructed authorities to determine both the direct and underlying causes of the accident, review passenger vessel safety standards, inspect tourism operators and strengthen enforcement of maritime safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been directed to coordinate closely with the Embassy of India in Vietnam to provide consular assistance and support to the victims' families.

The local government announced financial assistance of VND26 million (US$1,000) for each victim who died. The vessel operator will provide an additional US$1,000 for each fatality, while injured survivors are expected to receive between US$300 and US$500, depending on the severity of their injuries. The provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee will also provide VND5 million (US$190) to each bereaved family.

The investigation into Vietnam's deadliest tourist boating accident in recent years remains ongoing.

PV