Vietnam boat capsize kills 15 Indians; Lava confirms partners and team members were onboard

A tourist boat carrying 32 Indian nationals and four Vietnamese crew members capsized near Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam on Saturday, leaving at least 15 Indian tourists dead and 21 others rescued, according to Vietnamese authorities. Two survivors remain in critical condition and are undergoing intensive medical treatment.

The victims were part of a group of Indian travellers visiting Vietnam. Lava International confirmed that several of those onboard were its channel partners and team members, who were on a company-arranged trip.

In a statement, Lava Mobile said:

"We are deeply saddened to learn about the tragic boat incident that took place in Vietnam today. The incident involves some of our channel partners and team members.

We are in constant touch with the Embassy of India in Vietnam and the local authorities to gather information about the safety and well-being of our people. Our immediate priority is to extend all possible support to those affected and their families. Our teams in both India and Vietnam are in regular contact with the families and are providing all possible assistance.

A Control Room has been established by the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City. Families seeking information or assistance may contact the Control Room at +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 37 14, or +84 33 452 0414.

We are awaiting further updates from the authorities and will continue to provide timely information as it becomes available to us."

Embassy activates emergency response

The Embassy of India in Vietnam confirmed the incident in a post on X.

"In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam a few hours ago.

Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing.

In order to provide information and assistance to affected families, a Control Room at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City has been setup which can be reached at:
+84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 37 14 and +84 33 452 0414.

A Control room has been established in Hanoi and can be reached at +84 91 308 9165.

We are available for any assistance and queries."

According to a local news portal, citing local authorities, the speedboat overturned about 400 metres from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, near Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island. The vessel was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when it capsized.

Vietnamese authorities have confirmed 15 fatalities (13 men and two women), all Indian tourists. Twenty-one people (17 passengers and four crew members) were rescued and admitted to hospitals. Rescue operations have now concluded, while authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the tragedy.

Initial findings indicate that adverse weather conditions, rough seas and a possible mechanical malfunction are among the factors being examined as the probable cause of the accident.

Government monitoring the situation

Dr Arja Srikanth, Special Commissioner and Special Representative for the Andhra Pradesh Government at AP Bhavan in New Delhi, said:

"The Government of India, through the Embassy of India in Hanoi and the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, continues to closely monitor the situation in coordination with the Government of Vietnam. Further verified updates will be issued as official information becomes available."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the incident, posting on X:

"Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic news of a boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam."

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay expressed pain and anguish over the accident and directed state officials to coordinate with the Central Government to provide all possible assistance to Tamils affected in the mishap.

The investigation into the cause of the accident is underway, and Indian authorities continue to remain in close coordination with Vietnamese officials to assist the affected families and facilitate necessary support.