Vietnam's Phu Quoc strengthens waterway regulations after tourist boat accident

Under the directive, local authorities ordered relevant agencies to conduct regular inspections, maintenance and repairs at ports and piers, including waterway infrastructure, navigational aids, waiting areas, mooring facilities, life-saving equipment, firefighting systems and medical supplies.

The Inland Waterway Port Authority was instructed to inspect the safety conditions of vessels operating from ports and piers across the island.

Water transport operators and vessel owners must comply with all safety requirements and operating standards.

Tourist speedboats must be properly registered and inspected, meet technical safety standards, avoid overloading passengers or cargo, and carry sufficient life jackets and lifesaving equipment.

Operators were also instructed to ensure crew members hold valid professional certificates and to suspend departures during adverse weather or when safety conditions are not met.

Phu Quoc authorities called on the island’s traffic police to step up inspections of vessels operating along shipping routes and in port waters, including checks on the qualifications of captains and crew members.

Police were also instructed to maintain security at ports and anchorages.

Border guards were ordered to tighten controls on vessels and people entering and leaving waters under their jurisdiction and remain ready to deploy personnel and rescue boats in response to maritime emergencies.

The measures follow the capsizing of a tourist speedboat on July 11 carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island to An Thoi Port.

The vessel overturned about 400 meters into the voyage after encountering strong winds, killing 15 Indian tourists.

Authorities in An Giang Province, Phu Quoc and relevant agencies launched rescue and relief operations following the accident.

Thirty-one of the 32 Indian tourists involved in the incident, including the bodies of the 15 victims, have since been repatriated to India, while one survivor remains under treatment at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.