Vietnam Official Says Efforts Were Made After Speedboat Incident

Vietnamese officials have defended the emergency response following the capsizing of a tourist speedboat near Phu Quoc island that killed 15 Indian tourists, rejecting claims that delays in rescue operations contributed to the loss of lives. Tran Minh Khoa, Chairman of the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, said authorities and local residents responded quickly after the incident and did everything possible under difficult weather conditions to save passengers.

The accident occurred on July 11 when the tourist boat Ocean Pearl Island, carrying around 32 Indian tourists, three crew members, and a Vietnamese guide, capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai island while travelling toward An Thoi International Port. Officials said the vessel went down at around 1 pm, approximately 400 metres from the island, after weather conditions worsened suddenly with strong winds and high waves.

Khoa said local residents were the first to reach the accident site, using their own boats to assist passengers while alerting authorities. Under Vietnam’s emergency response system known as the “four-on-the-spot” approach, nearby communities, along with border guards, military personnel, police, coast guard teams, navy units, and medical workers, joined the rescue operation. Despite challenging conditions that also endangered rescuers, all 36 people aboard the boat were eventually brought to shore.

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After survivors were rescued, local people immediately provided CPR and first aid before medical teams transported injured passengers to hospitals, including facilities in Ho Chi Minh City. Fifteen people died in the tragedy, while 17 others remained hospitalized for treatment. One survivor with existing health complications continued receiving intensive care at Cho Ray Hospital, with Vietnamese authorities covering medical and transportation expenses.

Officials also highlighted the diplomatic coordination that followed the accident. Khoa said Vietnamese government agencies, provincial authorities, hospitals, and Indian diplomatic representatives worked together to manage rescue efforts, medical support, and the repatriation of victims. Police officials reportedly expedited procedures, allowing the bodies of all 15 Indian tourists to be returned to India by July 13 following requests from Indian diplomatic authorities.

Preliminary assessments suggest that sudden and severe weather conditions may have contributed to the accident, but authorities have also launched a criminal investigation to determine whether any legal violations occurred. The boat operator has been taken into custody as investigators examine possible responsibility for the tragedy. Officials said further findings will be released after the investigation is completed, while Vietnam continues to support affected families and survivors.

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