Vietnam PM orders probe after tourist speedboat capsizes off Phu Quoc, killing 15 Indians

A government directive signed by Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc on behalf of PM Hung instructed the Ministry of Public Security to investigate the cause of the accident and strictly handle any organizations or individuals found responsible under Vietnamese law.

The speedboat, registration number AG-26751, was carrying 32 Indian tourists, three crew members, and one Vietnamese tour guide from May Rut Ngoai Islet to An Thoi International Port when it overturned about 400 meters from shore at around 1:00 pm after encountering strong winds, authorities said.

By 3:30 pm, rescue teams had recovered 36 people, including 21 survivors and 15 fatalities, all Indian nationals.

Five bodies are being preserved at Kien Giang General Hospital and 10 have been transferred to Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City while authorities completed identification procedures, according to An Giang provincial authorities.

The prime minister directed An Giang provincial authorities to mobilize all available medical resources to treat the injured, support the families of those killed, and review the direct and indirect causes of the accident to help prevent similar incidents.

The Ministry of Construction was instructed to inspect waterway transport safety in the accident area and other locations with similar conditions, strengthen oversight of passenger boat operations, and review compliance with safety regulations covering vessels, lifesaving equipment, and operators.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was told to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Vietnam to provide consular assistance and address issues involving the Indian victims.

Provincial officials also ordered an inspection of businesses operating tourist boat services on Phu Quoc Island and said violations would be dealt with in accordance with the law.