A Vietnam boat accident near Phu Quoc Island killed 15 Indian tourists after a speedboat carrying 36 people capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island. Twenty-one people were rescued as Vietnamese authorities investigated the cause and India coordinated assistance.
Fifteen Indian tourists were killed when a speedboat capsized near Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
The vessel was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when it overturned about 400 meters—or 1,310 feet—from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, according to Vietnamese authorities cited by The Associated Press. Twenty-one people were rescued, and authorities said all 15 bodies were recovered.
Phu Quoc speedboat capsized after island trip
The tourist boat was returning from an island excursion when it overturned in waters near Hon May Rut Ngoai, approximately 10 kilometers south of Phu Quoc.
Nearby boats were the first to reach the scene and began pulling passengers from the water. Border guards, naval personnel, the coast guard and other rescue agencies later joined the operation.
Several passengers were reportedly trapped inside the overturned vessel, complicating rescue efforts. Large waves were also reported in the area. Those rescued with injuries were transported to hospitals, although authorities had not released detailed information about their conditions.
Vietnam rescue operation recovers all victims
Authorities confirmed that 21 of the 36 people aboard survived. The group included the boat’s four crew members, but officials had not immediately provided a detailed breakdown of the survivors.
The Indian Embassy in Hanoi confirmed that a boat carrying Indian tourists had capsized and said it was working with local authorities while details were being established. Control rooms were also reportedly opened to assist affected families.
Cause of Hon May Rut accident under investigation
The cause of the capsizing had not been established as of Saturday. Vietnamese investigators are expected to examine the vessel, sea conditions and circumstances surrounding the excursion.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is a major beach destination in the Gulf of Thailand. Hon May Rut and nearby islands are frequently visited for snorkeling, diving and speedboat excursions.
Vietnamese authorities were continuing their investigation, while Indian diplomatic officials coordinated with local agencies and families affected by the disaster.
