Rescue Teams Respond After Boat Carrying Indian Tourists Capsizes Near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island

Search and rescue operations are underway after a boat carrying several Indian tourists capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island, with the Indian Embassy in Vietnam confirming that it is working closely with local authorities to ascertain the exact details of the incident. The accident occurred a few hours before the embassy issued its statement, although officials have not yet confirmed the number of passengers on board, the cause of the capsize or the number of people rescued or missing.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy described the incident as tragic and said Vietnamese authorities had launched an extensive search and rescue operation. “In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam a few hours ago. Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing,” the embassy said. It added that it is maintaining close coordination with Vietnamese officials to monitor the rescue efforts and gather verified information regarding the passengers and their condition.

To facilitate assistance for those affected, the Indian mission has established dedicated control rooms at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City and the Embassy of India in Hanoi. According to the embassy, these emergency centres have been set up to provide timely information, coordinate with Vietnamese authorities and extend consular support to Indian nationals and their families. Officials said they are prepared to assist with documentation, communication and any other emergency requirements as the situation develops.

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The embassy also released emergency helpline numbers for relatives and friends seeking information about the passengers. The control room at the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City can be reached on +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 3714 and +84 33 452 0414, while the Embassy in Hanoi has issued the emergency contact number +84 91 308 9165. The mission urged concerned family members to rely only on official updates and avoid unverified information circulating on social media or messaging platforms until the rescue operation is complete.

Phu Quoc, located off Vietnam's southern coast in Kien Giang Province, is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Known for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts and water sports, the island attracts millions of domestic and international visitors each year, including a growing number of Indian tourists. Boat excursions around the island are a common recreational activity, offering visitors opportunities for sightseeing, island hopping, snorkelling and fishing. However, like many coastal destinations, weather conditions and maritime safety remain important considerations for tour operators and travellers alike.

As of the latest official update, Vietnamese authorities have not disclosed what caused the vessel to overturn or whether adverse weather, technical issues or other factors may have contributed to the accident. No official information has been released regarding casualties, injuries or the identities of those on board. The Indian Embassy said it would continue to remain in close contact with local authorities and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.

The incident has prompted concern among families of Indian tourists travelling in Vietnam, with many awaiting confirmation about the status of their loved ones. The embassy has assured affected families that it is extending all possible consular assistance and will continue coordinating with Vietnamese rescue agencies throughout the operation. Further details are expected once search and rescue efforts conclude and local authorities complete their preliminary assessment of the incident.

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