Vietnamese authorities have launched a criminal investigation after a tourist speedboat carrying Indian visitors capsized off Phu Quoc Island, killing 15 Indian nationals and injuring several others in one of the country's deadliest maritime tourism accidents in recent years.

As rescue and recovery operations continue, police have detained the vessel's captain while the government coordinates closely with Indian authorities to support survivors, assist bereaved families, repatriate the victims' remains and strengthen passenger vessel safety nationwide.

The accident occurred at around 1 p.m. on July 11, when the high-speed passenger boat Ocean Pearl Island (AG-26751) departed Hon May Rut Ngoai for An Thoi International Port.

The vessel was carrying 32 Indian tourists, three crew members and one Vietnamese tour guide. About 400 meters after departure, it encountered rough seas and strong winds before capsizing, throwing all 36 people into the water.

Emergency rescue teams brought everyone ashore by mid-afternoon. Twenty-one people survived, while 15 Indian tourists - 13 men and two women - lost their lives.

Captain detained as criminal investigation begins

On July 12, the Investigation Police Agency of An Giang Provincial Police officially opened a criminal case and detained Nguyen Hong Hai (born 1969), the captain who was operating the vessel, to investigate alleged violations of inland waterway navigation regulations resulting in the fatal accident.

Police said investigators immediately secured the scene following the disaster, collected evidence and interviewed witnesses and those involved.

The decision to prosecute the case and detain the captain was made based on preliminary investigative findings. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and will determine the exact cause of the accident and whether additional individuals or organizations bear legal responsibility.

According to official registration records, Ocean Pearl Island (AG-26751) is owned by Minh Huy PQ Tourism Co., Ltd., based in Phu Quoc and headed by director Diep Nguyen Quoc.

The vessel is licensed to carry 34 passengers and most recently received its registration certificate on November 28, 2025.

Government orders nationwide response

Soon after receiving reports of the accident, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung extended condolences to the victims and instructed the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Construction, An Giang provincial authorities and emergency agencies - including police, medical services, the Coast Guard and Border Guard - to prioritize rescue operations, medical treatment and support for victims' families.

The Prime Minister also ordered police to conduct a thorough investigation and strictly handle any violations in accordance with Vietnamese law.

At the diplomatic level, General Secretary and President To Lam and Prime Minister Le Minh Hung sent messages of condolence to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing sympathy on behalf of the Party, State and people of Vietnam.

Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung also sent condolences to Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, reaffirming Vietnam's commitment to supporting victims and their families.

Vietnam and India coordinate assistance

Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working closely with the People's Committee of An Giang Province, the Phu Quoc Special Administrative Zone, the Embassy of India in Hanoi, the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, and Vietnam's Embassy in India to provide emergency consular assistance.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang traveled to Phu Quoc with officials from the Consular Department and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs to oversee support for victims and coordinate with Indian diplomatic representatives.

The ministry has assisted with legal procedures, arranged support for victims' relatives arriving in Vietnam and is coordinating the repatriation of the victims' remains in accordance with their families' wishes.

The Indian Ambassador to Vietnam thanked Vietnamese authorities for their swift response and humanitarian support, noting that India's senior leadership has been closely monitoring developments.

Survivors receive emergency treatment

An Giang's health sector activated its highest emergency response immediately after the accident, mobilizing ambulances, emergency physicians and medical staff across Phu Quoc.

According to Dr. Nguyen Quang Thang, Director of Mat Troi Phu Quoc Hospital, the hospital activated a full emergency alert, dispatched ambulances and emergency teams to the scene and mobilized all available medical personnel to receive victims.

Two critically injured patients survived after nearly two hours of intensive resuscitation and were transferred to the intensive care unit.

One patient suffering from severe respiratory failure recovered after several hours of treatment and is expected to be discharged. Another patient, who has underlying health conditions and remains on mechanical ventilation, is being prepared for emergency coronary intervention with support from specialists from Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the Phu Quoc administration, 17 injured tourists received treatment at hospitals on the island. By July 12, 16 had been discharged after their conditions stabilized. Twelve left Phu Quoc that afternoon, while the remaining four were expected to depart later the same day.

Victims transferred for repatriation

Police and medical authorities completed the identification of all victims before transporting their remains from Phu Quoc Medical Center to the mainland on the morning of July 12.

The bodies are being preserved at forensic facilities in Ho Chi Minh City, including Cho Ray Hospital, while authorities complete legal procedures ahead of repatriation to India.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs has established 24-hour support teams to assist victims' families, provide interpreters, arrange accommodation and transportation, and coordinate immigration procedures for representatives of the Government of Tamil Nadu, who traveled to Vietnam on behalf of the victims' families.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will continue working closely with Indian authorities to ensure the victims' remains are returned to India as quickly as possible.

Financial assistance for victims

The An Giang provincial government, the Phu Quoc Special Administrative Zone and the operating company have announced financial assistance of VND90 million (US$3,440) for the family of each victim who died and VND13 million (US$500) for each injured survivor.

Provincial authorities also committed to covering accommodation and transportation costs for victims' relatives while they remain in Vietnam to complete legal procedures.

Nationwide maritime safety review

The Ministry of Construction has ordered a nationwide inspection of inland waterway and maritime passenger transport following the tragedy.

Authorities have been instructed to examine passenger vessels, lifesaving equipment, crew qualifications, technical certification, emergency procedures and operational safety standards across the country.

Particular attention will be paid to routes linking the mainland with popular island destinations, including Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Ly Son, Cat Ba and Ha Long Bay.

Officials will also strengthen inspections of ports, wharves and tourism operators, with particular focus on passenger safety during adverse weather conditions.

Investigation continues

At an emergency meeting chaired by An Giang People's Committee Chairman Ho Van Mung, provincial authorities reaffirmed that determining the cause of the accident remains a top priority.

Police continue to collect evidence while reviewing the responsibilities of individuals and organizations connected to the operation of the vessel.

Authorities say they will continue supporting survivors and victims' families while pursuing a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disaster.

PV