PM Modi expresses condolences after Vietnam speedboat accident kills 15 Indians

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed deep grief over the speedboat tragedy near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island that claimed the lives of at least 15 Indian tourists, assuring that the Indian mission was extending all possible assistance to those affected.

In a post on X, Modi said he was "extremely saddened" by the incident, offered condolences to the bereaved families, and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

He added that the Indian Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam were in close contact with local authorities as rescue and relief efforts continued following the accident involving 32 Indian tourists and four crew members.

STRONG WINDS THE REASON?

According to authorities in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, the speedboat, operated by Ocean Pear Island Company, was ferrying tourists from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port when it capsized around 1 pm, about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai, throwing everyone on board into the sea. Nearby tourist boats rushed to the scene and joined rescue efforts, but rough sea conditions and passengers trapped inside the overturned vessel made the operation difficult.

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam has set up control rooms in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to provide information and assistance to the families of those affected. The mission said it was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Vietnamese authorities as rescue and relief efforts continued.

ANDHRA MINISTER ASSURES ASSISTANCE

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh also took cognisance of the incident and directed officials to extend all possible assistance to those affected. After reviewing the situation with senior officials at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi and state government officials, Lokesh was informed that tourists from Andhra Pradesh were believed to be among those involved in the accident. He instructed officials to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Vietnam, coordinate with the Centre and ensure all possible support is provided to the affected tourists and their families.

ISLAND HOPPING TOUR TURNS FATAL

Authorities said sea conditions off An Thoi were rough at the time of the accident, although there was no rainfall and tourist boats were continuing to operate in the area. A representative of Ocean Pear Island Company said the vessel was operating an island-hopping tour and that the captain, who is in his 50s, had several years of experience operating passenger boats.

The speedboat was headed to May Rut Islet, comprising May Rut Trong and May Rut Ngoai, a popular tourist destination located around 10-12 kilometres south of An Thoi. Known for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs, the islets attract visitors for snorkelling and diving and are typically reached by boat or speedboat from An Thoi in 20 to 40 minutes.