15 die as speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsizes in Vietnam's largest island Phu Quoc

A speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists, along with four crew members, capsized in Vietnam's largest island Phu Quoc on July 11, killing 15 people.

The scene of an overturned speedboat in the waters off Phu Quoc on July 11, 2026. Photo provided by a local resident

The speedboat operated by Ocean Pear Island Company was transporting the tourists from Hon May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port, about 25 kilometers from Phu Quoc Airport, at about 1 p.m. when it capsized 400 meters off Hon May Rut Ngoai, throwing everyone on board into the sea, according to initial information from the authorities in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone.

Nearby tourist boats rushed to assist after spotting the capsized boat. One boat owner involved in the rescue said his vessel reached the scene within about five minutes, but the operation was hampered because many tourists were trapped inside the overturned boat.

"Only a few people were brought out conscious," he said, adding that the sea off An Thoi was rough at the time, although there was no rain, and other tourist boats were still operating in the area.

Rescue teams and tourists gather at a site after a tourist speedboat carrying Indian visitors capsized off an islet in Phu Quoc Island on July 11, 2026. Photo provided by local residents

The An Thoi Border Guard dispatched two vessels and 35 officers and soldiers to the scene, joining rescue efforts alongside the navy, coast guard and other relevant forces.

By the afternoon, rescuers had brought all 36 people aboard the speedboat to shore. 21 survived, while 15 others — two women and 13 men — were confirmed dead.

A representative of Ocean Pear Island Company said the speedboat was taking the tourists on an island-hopping trip. The captain, who is in his 50s, had many years of experience operating passenger boats.

Ambulance cars on standby at An Thoi Port in Phu Quoc to receive victims from an accident where a speedboat carrying tourists capsized on July 11, 2026. Photo by An Binh

May Rut Islet, which consists of May Rut Trong and May Rut Ngoai, lies about 10-12 kilometers south of An Thoi in Phu Quoc.

Known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and coral reefs, it is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. The islet is typically reached by boat or speedboat from An Thoi in 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the type of vessel.

Phu Quoc off the southern province of An Giang received 5.7 million tourists in the first six months this year, up 30% year-on-year. Among those were 1.32 million foreign tourists, up 50% year-on-year, according to the province's Department of Tourism.