Captain arrested as investigation begins into speedboat capsize near Phu Quoc that claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists.
July 12, 2026: Vietnamese police have arrested the captain of a speedboat that capsized near Phu Quoc island, killing 15 Indian tourists. The accident occurred on Saturday near May Rut Ngoai islet when the boat, carrying 32 Indian tourists, three Vietnamese crew members and a tour guide, overturned in rough seas. Rescue teams recovered 21 survivors, while 15 passengers lost their lives. Authorities detained the 57-year-old captain, alleging violations of maritime regulations in connection with the incident.
Initial assessments by Vietnamese authorities suggest that the tragedy was caused by rapidly changing and severe weather conditions. Rescue personnel said the sea was rough with high waves, although there was no rainfall at the time. Witnesses reported seeing several passengers clinging to the overturned vessel, while others were drifting in the sea without life jackets. Local fishermen and rescuers used lifebuoys, ropes and jet skis to rescue survivors before transporting them to shore.
India’s Embassy in Hanoi confirmed that at least 15 survivors have been discharged from hospital and are returning to India, while one critically injured passenger remains under treatment in Phu Quoc. The embassy also said the bodies of the deceased would be repatriated to India. Following the accident, several tourism operators suspended speedboat services around the nearby islands. The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns over boating safety in Vietnam, where extreme weather and maritime accidents remain recurring challenges.