Vietnam launches rescue after speedboat carrying foreign tourists capsizes off Phu Quoc

The vessel, registration number AG 26751, operated by Minh Huy Phu Quoc Trading Tourism Co., was carrying 32 passengers and three crew members from May Rut Ngoai Islet back to An Thoi Port when it overturned about 400 meters after departure at around 1:00 pm, throwing everyone into the sea.

Authorities said initial information indicated that most of the passengers were Indian tourists.

Local officials said 23 people had been rescued and brought ashore, where they were receiving medical treatment, while search and rescue teams continued looking for the remaining passengers and crew.

The Phu Quoc administration mobilized military, police, and civilian rescue forces immediately after receiving reports of the accident, while local residents also joined the operation.

Video from the scene showed rough seas and strong winds as rescuers threw life buoys into the water and used jet skis to transport survivors to shore, where emergency responders performed first aid on several victims, including some who appeared unconscious.

About 10 ambulances were deployed at An Thoi Port to receive victims brought back from the search area.

Authorities said they were investigating the cause of the accident.

Bui Quoc Thai, director of An Giang Province's Department of Tourism, said provincial leaders had submitted an initial report on the incident to Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture, Sports and Tourism.

They directed all available military, police, and civilian rescue resources on Phu Quoc Island to assist with the operation.