Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow following a tragic boat accident near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam that claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists. The incident occurred on Saturday when a speedboat carrying 32 Indian passengers and four crew members capsized shortly after departing for an island-hopping excursion. Of the 36 people on board, 21 were rescued and are currently receiving medical treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.
The victims included a group of mobile phone dealers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana who were on a company-sponsored trip. According to official reports, the deceased comprised 10 individuals from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala. The vessel reportedly overturned only 400 meters from the shore, with survivors noting that the boat tipped over shortly after beginning its journey in what were described as choppy waters.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Modi extended his condolences to the grieving families and pledged that the Indian government is providing all possible assistance. The Indian Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City have established emergency control rooms to coordinate with Vietnamese authorities and support the affected families. President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her grief, offering prayers for the recovery of the survivors.
Vietnamese authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the capsizing. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered a comprehensive review of maritime and waterway safety in the region to prevent future occurrences. As search and rescue operations conclude, the focus has shifted to repatriating the victims and ensuring the injured receive necessary care. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with tourism in coastal areas, prompting calls for stricter safety oversight for commercial vessels.