Vietnam PM Orders Thorough Probe into Phu Quoc Boat Tragedy That Killed 15 Indian Tourists

Hanoi: Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the speedboat accident near Phu Quoc Island that claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists, assuring strict action against those found responsible.

The speedboat was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members, and one Vietnamese tour guide. It was travelling from Mae Rut Ngoi Island to An Thoi Port when it capsized about 400 metres from the shore after encountering strong winds.

Rescue teams launched an immediate operation and brought all 36 passengers ashore. While 21 people survived, 15 Indian tourists lost their lives in the tragedy.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, the Prime Minister directed authorities to provide urgent medical treatment to the injured and ordered a detailed inquiry into both the direct and indirect causes of the accident to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Ministry of Construction has been instructed to conduct a special audit of passenger boat safety, including inspections of life-saving equipment, operator licences and operational standards. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to coordinate with the Indian Embassy and extend all necessary assistance to the victims’ families.

Authorities have also launched a comprehensive safety inspection of tourist boat services operating in the Phu Quoc region.