15 Indians Killed in the Tragic Tourist Boat Accident in Vietnam's Phu Quoc

A search and rescue operation is underway off the coast of southern Vietnam after a boat carrying several Indian tourists capsized near the popular destination of Phu Quoc Island.

The tragedy occurred on Saturday when the tourist speedboat AG 26751, operated by the Ocean Pearl Island Company, turned over near Hon May Rut Ngoai while returning to An Thoi Port. The vessel was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members, and one attendant.Vietnamese authorities have officially concluded the search and rescue operations, confirming that all individuals on board have been accounted for.

Medical Crisis

The incident has resulted in 15 confirmed fatalities—13 men and two women—all of whom are Indian nationals.Emergency maritime teams successfully rescued 21 people, including 17 passengers and 4 crew members, who were immediately rushed to local hospitals. Medical officials stated that two survivors remain in highly critical condition and are currently fighting for their lives in intensive care.Preliminary assessments indicate that a combination of adverse weather conditions, rough seas, and a potential mechanical malfunction may have caused the vessel to capsize.

High Concentration of Telugu Tourists

A majority of the tourists on board the ill-fated vessel hailed from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Andhra Pradesh Minister for HRD and IT, Nara Lokesh, swiftly intervened to review the tragedy, holding discussions with state officials and representatives at AP Bhavan in New Delhi to coordinate family support.  Initial updates revealed that at least seven individuals from the Telugu states were on the passenger list:

• Mr. Ramasubbu Annavi
• Mr. Nagalamadugu Sohan
• Mr. Nallapata Adiseshaiah
• Mr. Chithapuram Bhaskara Vinay Kumar
• Mr. Gelli Kishore
• Mrs. Gelli Jayalakshmi 
• Mr. Mudium Sreedhar 

The Kadapa District Administration has already established direct contact with Mr. Sreedhar's family to extend administrative and logistical support. In addition to the Telugu casualties, authorities confirmed the death of Mrs. Thomas Avicot Cheriyan from Tamil Nadu. Local Vietnamese authorities have released photographs of the rescued survivors to help families quickly identify their loved ones. 

Government Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi  and the President of India Droupadi Murmu has extended his deepest condolence to the families affected by the tragedy. 

Governments of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have also set up control rooms to help coordinate assistance and aid. AP HRD Minister Nara Lokesh has also reviewed the matter promptly and has requested AP Bhavan officials to extend all possible support in the matter.

Diplomatic Response and Emergency Helplines

The Government of India, through the Ministry of External Affairs, has activated its emergency response mechanism. The Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, along with top embassy officials, is traveling directly to Phu Quoc Island to oversee consular assistance and manage the repatriation of the deceased. Ms. Priyanka has been appointed as the Nodal Officer to spearhead the coordination layout. The formal identification process is expected to finish around 8:00 PM, after which the comprehensive official list of the deceased will be made public. 

Families seeking immediate information and tracking assistance can reach the following emergency control rooms:

Consulate General of India, Ho Chi Minh City:+84 36 281 7930  +84 91 552 3714  +84 33 452 0414

Embassy of India, Hanoi: +84 91 308 9165

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