At least 15 people were killed after a boat carrying several Indian tourists capsized near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation by local authorities. The Indian Embassy in Hanoi confirmed the incident and said control rooms have been established to assist those affected and their families.
According to the Indian mission, the vessel had 36 passengers on board when it overturned near the popular tourist destination.
Vietnamese state media reported that 21 people were rescued and shifted to hospitals for treatment, with two of them said to be in critical condition.
The boat reportedly capsized shortly after departing Hon May Rut Ngoai Island for An Thoi Port after encountering rough seas and strong winds. The accident caused all passengers and crew members to fall into the water.
The Indian Embassy said the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still being verified as rescue operations continue.
“In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing,” the embassy said in a post on X.
The Indian mission said it has established emergency control rooms at the Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City to provide assistance to the affected tourists and their families.
The embassy said local authorities are continuing rescue efforts while working to determine the full details of the incident.
People seeking information or assistance have been asked to contact the following helplines:
Consulate General of India, Ho Chi Minh City
+84 36 281 7930
+84 91 552 37 14
+84 33 452 0414
Embassy of India, Hanoi
+84 91 308 9165
The Indian mission said both control rooms will remain available to respond to queries and provide necessary support related to the incident.