15 Indian tourists dead after boat capsizes off Vietnam island; rescue underway

At least 15 Indian tourists have died after a speedboat capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai island off Phu Quoc, Vietnam, on Saturday (July 11, 2026), local authorities said. The boat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when it overturned during a thunderstorm, according to Vietnamese officials.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi confirmed in a post on social media platform X. The embassy stated that exact details of the incident are being ascertained as rescue efforts continue. Control rooms have been established at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City and at the Embassy in Hanoi to provide information and assistance to affected families.

The control room in Ho Chi Minh City can be reached at: +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 37 14, and +84 33 452 0414. The Hanoi control room can be contacted at +84 91 308 9165. The Indian mission said these numbers are available for any assistance and queries related to the incident.

Phu Quoc is a popular tourist destination in southern Vietnam, known for its beaches and resorts. Boat trips to nearby islands are common among visitors. The cause of the capsizing is under investigation, with initial reports citing a sudden thunderstorm that struck the area.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said it is in touch with Vietnamese authorities and is providing all possible support. The ministry expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that repatriation and other assistance would be facilitated.

This incident highlights the risks of water-based tourism in regions prone to sudden weather changes. Travel advisories often caution tourists to verify safety standards of boat operators and to monitor weather conditions before embarking on such trips.

Further updates are expected as rescue operations progress and more details emerge.