Speedboat Capsizes Off Phu Quoc Island
Ambulances lined up on a pier to assist victims after a tourist vessel capsized off Phu Quoc island in southern Vietnam.
Fifteen people have died after a speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsized near an island in southern Vietnam, according to local media reports.
Local authorities reported that 32 Indian nationals and four crew members were on board the vessel, which overturned approximately 400 metres (1,312 feet) from Hon May Rut Ngoai island amid rough sea conditions on Saturday.
Several tourist vessels operating in the vicinity promptly responded to the incident, rescuing many passengers trapped inside the capsized speedboat, Vietnam's VnExpress reported. A total of 21 people were later saved.
Hon May Rut Ngoai, a pristine island in the An Thoi Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, is a popular destination attracting tourists worldwide for island-hopping boat tours.
The island is situated about 10 km (six miles) south of Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island.
Official Statements and Rescue Efforts
Nguyen Tien Hai, a senior Communist official in the area, stated that authorities were still working to confirm the exact number of casualties and survivors.
"The speedboat may have capsized due to heavy winds and high waves," Hai said.
"The top priority is rescue, bringing all victims ashore and focusing all efforts on providing emergency care to those who are still alive," he added.
The Indian embassy in Vietnam described the incident as "tragic" and published the full list of the 32 Indian nationals who were aboard the capsized boat.
Additionally, the embassy established telephone hotlines to "provide information and assistance to affected families."
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