Did rough seas alone cause the tragedy off Phu Quoc? Vietnam orders probe into speedboat disaster

Vietnam’s Prime Minister has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the speedboat tragedy that claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists off Phu Quoc Island. In an official dispatch, the government directed the Ministry of Public Security to determine the cause and take "strict action" against any organisations or individuals found to have violated the law.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Construction has been tasked with reviewing safety measures for all inland and maritime traffic in the area. Local authorities in An Giang Province are leading an assessment to rectify any safety shortcomings that may have contributed to the disaster.

A dream holiday turned into a seconds-long nightmare

The incident occurred at about 1.30 pm on Saturday while 32 Indian tourists, most of them channel partners for Lava Mobiles, were on an island-hopping excursion. The group was travelling from Hon May Rut Island to An Thoi Port when their vessel suddenly overturned just 400 metres from the shore.

The boat had gone barely 300 to 400 metres when it tipped over, it is said.

Survivors said the boat overturned within seconds. Although the captain was reported to be experienced, questions remain over how the vessel capsized so quickly. Initial reports from authorities cited rough seas and large waves, though one survivor said the weather did not appear to be adverse at the time.

Rescue operation hampered by challenging conditions

The rescue operation became a race against time as challenging conditions complicated efforts to reach those on board. Nearby tourist boats arrived at the scene within five minutes, but many victims were trapped inside the overturned hull, making the operation difficult.

The An Thoi Border Guard later deployed 35 officers and two vessels to reinforce the navy and coast guard. Of the 36 people on board, 21 were rescued, while 15 — including 13 men and two women — died in the accident.

Families grieve as investigation continues

The tragedy has left families across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala in deep shock. For one of the victims, Shaik Abdullah Abdul Majeed, a morning video call with his baby granddaughter became his final goodbye.

The Indian Embassy has established emergency response centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to assist with the repatriation of the victims' remains. Alongside the criminal investigation, authorities are also examining possible overloading and the adequacy of medical teams stationed on shore. Every aspect of the maritime operation is being scrutinised to ensure such a tragedy does not recur.