Fifteen Indian tourists died in a boat capsize incident near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island on Saturday. The speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port when it capsized about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai.
Most of the dead are from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, and several people on the boat were employees and distributors of Lava Mobiles, a company representative told The Indian Express. They were there as part of an annual meeting. Also on the boat were a couple from Kerala, A C Thomas, 57, and his wife Loveny Thomas, 56, from Kollam district.
The chief minister’s office said the non-resident Keralites affairs department or NORKA has been entrusted to coordinate with the Vietnam Embassy. The chief minister’s office is also in touch with the External Affairs Ministry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, ‘Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic news of a boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam.’
He said the Indian Embassy and Consulate are providing all possible assistance. Phu Quoc is one of Vietnam’s most popular beach destinations, drawing millions of domestic and foreign tourists each year. In fact, Indian tourist arrivals in Vietnam have surged, with over 3.24 lakh visitors recorded in the first four months of 2026.
Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi said 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. VnExpress reported that sea conditions were rough, with large waves in the area. The cause of the accident wasn’t immediately clear, and an investigation was underway.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has condoled the death of 15 Indian tourists in a boat capsize in Vietnam. ‘Deeply distressed by the unfortunate boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam,’ Jaishankar said on X. ‘Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the swift recovery of those injured,’ he added.
