15 Indian Tourists Killed in Vietnam Speedboat Capsize: Survivor Recounts Ordeal
An Indian survivor of a tourist boat tragedy off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island has recounted how a sudden storm capsized the vessel within seconds, resulting in the deaths of 15 Indian tourists. Speaking after the accident, Nirmal Kumar said rescue teams arrived quickly but claimed that inadequate medical facilities on the nearby island may have hindered efforts to save more lives.
Kumar was one of 36 people on board the speedboat, including 32 Indian tourists, when it overturned while travelling between islands. "When we were moving from one island to the next, a sudden storm came... suddenly within a second, the boat was going upside down. We were on the front side and came out by jumping into the sea. Those who were inside got trapped, and since the boat was upside down, they were unable to come outside," he said.
Kumar stated that local rescue teams reached the scene promptly but that the lack of adequate medical equipment and medicines on the island hampered efforts to save more victims. "They rescued us, but some medical equipment was not available on that island. A doctor was travelling with us. He said that medicines are not available here, so we cannot save the lives... more lives could have been saved. Requisite aid wasn't available at the island for the number of people needing it. The Vietnam Air Force came after two-three hours, and they guided us, they treated us," he added.
Kumar also noted that Indian authorities had extended assistance to those affected following the tragedy. "Yesterday they came, and they are doing their process. Everyone went back... we're four people from the company, and I am staying here," he said.
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam confirmed that all 15 people who died in the accident were Indian nationals. In a post on social media platform X, the embassy stated that the mortal remains of the victims were being transported to Ho Chi Minh City, from where they would be flown to India after completion of necessary formalities.
Vietnamese authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. The speedboat capsized off the coast of Phu Quoc Island, a popular tourist destination. While the survivor mentioned a total of 105 people, official sources have confirmed that the vessel was carrying 36 individuals at the time of the accident.
