Tourist speedboat capsizes in Vietnam, killing 15

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Tourist speedboat capsizes in Vietnam, killing 15Image source, via Getty ImagesImage caption, Ambulances line up on a pier to help victims after a tourist vessel capsized off Phu Quoc island in southern VietnamByJaroslav LukivPublished11 July 2026, 12:59 BSTUpdated 25 minutes agoFifteen people have died after a speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsized near a island in the south of Vietnam, according to local media reports. Local authorities say 32 Indians and four crew were on board the vessel, which overturned about 400 metres (1,312 ft) from Hon May Rut Ngoai island in rough sea conditions on Saturday. Several tourist vessels operating in the area quickly came to the rescue, finding many passengers trapped inside the speedboat, Vietnam's VnExpress reported.

Twenty one people were later saved. Hon May Rut Ngoai - a pristine island in the An Thoi Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand - attracts many tourists from around the world for island-hopping boat tours. Image source, ẢNH CHỤP TỪ VIDEOImage caption, Video from the scene shows the capsized boatHon May Rut Ngoai is located about 10km (six miles) south of Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island.

The Details

Nguyen Tien Hai, a senior Communist official in the area, said the authorities were still working to confirm the exact number of those who died as well as the survivors. He is quoted by VnExpress as saying that the speedboat may have capsized due to heavy winds and high waves. "The top priority is rescue, bringing all victims ashore and focusing all efforts on providing emergency care to those who are still alive," Hai said.

The Indian embassy in Vietnam described the incident as "tragic", publishing the full list of the 32 Indian nationals who were on board the capsized boat. The embassy also set up the telephone hotlines to "provide information and assistance to affected families".

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.