GUWAHATI: At least 15 Indian tourists were killed after a tourist speedboat capsized off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, prompting Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung to order a comprehensive investigation into the incident and direct authorities to provide all necessary assistance to the victims and their families.
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The speedboat, operated by Ocean Pearl Island Company (Minh Huy Phu Quoc Trading and Tourism Co. Ltd.), 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 capsized about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai in rough seas and strong winds. Rescue teams recovered all 36 people on board by 3.30 pm. Authorities confirmed that 21 people survived, while 15 Indian tourists lost their lives in the accident.
According to Vietnamese authorities, five of the victims' bodies have been kept at Kien Giang General Hospital, while the remaining 10 have been transferred to Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for identification and other formalities. In an official dispatch issued after the tragedy, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and instructed ministries, government agencies and local authorities to deploy all available medical resources, medicines and emergency assistance. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and said strict action would be taken against those found responsible.