Boat carrying Indian tourists capsized at sea in Vietnam; bodies of 15 people recovered; rescue operation underway; PM Modi expresses grief
A major maritime accident occurred on Saturday near Phu Quoc Island, a popular tourist destination in Vietnam. According to local media reports, a boat carrying Indian tourists capsized amidst rough waves. At the time of the accident, there were 36 people on board—32 tourists and 4 crew members. Preliminary reports indicate that the bodies of 15 Indian tourists have been recovered, while search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the others. The Indian Embassy has mobilized following the incident, and special control rooms have been set up to assist the affected families.
Boat meets with accident amidst rough waves
According to local media, the boat was traveling from the Hon Me route towards An Thoi Port. During the journey, weather conditions near Phu Quoc Island deteriorated suddenly, and the boat lost its balance amidst high waves. It is reported that the boat capsized approximately 400 meters from the shore, causing all passengers to fall into the sea. Local authorities and rescue agencies arrived at the scene immediately after the accident.
Marine rescue teams conducting extensive search operation
Following the capsize, Vietnamese rescue teams launched a large-scale search operation. Relief teams are searching for those missing at sea. Adverse weather and high waves have made the operation challenging. Officials state that the search will continue until all passengers are accounted for.
Indian Embassy sets up control rooms
The Indian Embassy in Hanoi immediately established control rooms following the incident. The Embassy stated that it is maintaining constant contact with local Vietnamese authorities and providing all possible assistance to the Indian citizens involved. The Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City is also closely monitoring the situation. Major incident involving Indian tourists abroad; official update awaited
This is considered one of the most serious maritime incidents involving Indian tourists abroad in recent years. Relief and rescue operations are currently underway, and official agencies are continuously gathering information regarding the number of fatalities and missing persons. The Indian Embassy has urged affected families to rely solely on official information.
PM Modi expresses grief
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has expressed deep grief over the tragic boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
The Prime Minister conveyed his sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and prayed for the early recovery of the injured survivors.
Modi said that the Embassy and Consulate are providing all possible assistance. He also noted that Indian officials are in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities.
In a post on X, Modi said;
“Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic news of a boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers for the early recovery of the injured survivors.
Our Embassy and Consulate are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities.”