15 Indian tourists were killed after a boat carrying several 36 people capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam on Saturday, prompting authorities to launch a search and rescue operation. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam said it is closely monitoring the situation and is in touch with Vietnamese authorities to ascertain the exact details of the incident.
What Indian Authorities Said
Dr Arja Srikanth, Special Commissioner and Special Representative for the Andhra Pradesh Government at AP Bhavan in New Delhi, said Vietnamese authorities have confirmed 15 fatalities (13 men and 2 women), all Indian tourists.
"21 persons (17 passengers and 4 crew members) were rescued and admitted to hospitals. Two survivors remain in critical condition and are receiving intensive medical care," he added.
The Embassy of India in Vietnam has activated its emergency response mechanism. Seven persons from the Telugu States were among the tourists. The search and rescue operation has concluded, and Vietnamese authorities have initiated a detailed investigation.
What Might Have Led To The Tragedy?
Adverse weather conditions, rough seas and a possible mechanical malfunction are being examined as the probable causes of the accident. "The Government of India, through the Embassy of India in Hanoi and the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, continues to closely monitor the situation in coordination with the Government of Vietnam. Further verified updates will be issued as official information becomes available," said Srikanth.
The vessel was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members and one attendant, reported news agency Reuters.
The boat was travelling from Hon May Rut Island to An Thoi Port when it overturned about 400 m (440 yards) into the sea, according to authorities cited by VnExpress. VnExpress reported that sea conditions were rough, with large waves in the area at the time.
PM Modi Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the tragedy, saying that he was extremely saddened to learn about the tragic news.
"Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic news of a boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam. My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers for the early recovery of the injured survivors. Our Embassy and Consulate are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities," PM Modi wrote on X.
India's embassy in Vietnam said it was monitoring the incident and had established emergency response centres in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to assist affected families.
"Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing,"
the embassy said in a statement, describing the incident as "tragic."
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The Indian Embassy in Vietnam confirmed the incident in a post on X, stating, "In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam a few hours ago. Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing."
Authorities Release Helpline Numbers
The embassy said further details are awaited as authorities continue rescue efforts. To assist affected families, the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City has set up a control room. It can be reached at +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 37 14, and +84 33 452 0414. Another control room has also been set up at the Embassy of India in Hanoi and can be reached at +84 91 308 9165.
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