A tragic boating accident occurred off the coast of Vietnam on Saturday, July 11, 2026, resulting in the deaths of 15 Indian tourists. The incident took place when a speedboat carrying 32 Indian nationals and four crew members capsized approximately 400 meters from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, near the popular tourist destination of Phu Quoc. The vessel was reportedly returning from an island excursion toward An Thoi Port when it overturned in rough sea conditions.
Of the 36 people on board, 21 individuals were rescued and transported to local hospitals for treatment. Among the survivors, several remain in critical condition. The victims were part of a larger group of mobile phone dealers and partners associated with the Indian electronics firm Lava International, who were in Vietnam for a company-sponsored trip. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam has confirmed the identities of the deceased, with victims hailing from the states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
In the immediate aftermath, nearby vessels rushed to the scene to assist in rescue efforts before official maritime teams arrived. Witnesses reported that the boat tipped over suddenly, trapping some passengers inside the cabin. Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has since ordered a formal investigation into the cause of the accident and directed authorities to hold those responsible accountable. He has also mandated a comprehensive review of maritime safety protocols in the region.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and confirmed that embassy officials are on the ground providing support. The Indian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City has established emergency control rooms to assist affected families with information and logistics. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine whether weather conditions or mechanical failures played a primary role in the disaster.