A tourist boat carrying Indian passengers capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam on Saturday, with at least 15 people feared dead and 17 rescued, according to initial reports. Local authorities have launched a search and rescue operation, while helpline numbers have been issued to assist affected families.
In a statement, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi said, “A few hours ago, in a tragic incident, a boat carrying some Indian tourists capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. Search and rescue operations are underway by local authorities. The cause of the accident and the exact details of the people on board the boat are being ascertained.”
The embassy said a control room had been established at the Indian Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City to provide assistance and information to family members of those involved in the incident. According to local media reports, 15 people are feared to have died in the accident, although the exact number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed.
Preliminary information suggests that around 32 people were on board the vessel when it overturned, with 17 passengers rescued so far. Authorities said the speedboat, operated by Ocean Pear Island Company, was travelling from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port when it capsized at around 1 pm local time on Saturday.
The accident occurred approximately 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai island and around 25 km from Phu Quoc Airport. Officials said all passengers on board were thrown into the sea when the vessel overturned.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
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