Fifteen people have died after a tourist speedboat, primarily carrying Indian nationals, capsized near an island in southern Vietnam on Saturday. The vessel was reportedly carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when it overturned approximately 400 metres from Hon May Rut Ngoai island, situated in the An Thoi Archipelago within the Gulf of Thailand. Local media, citing regional authorities, indicated that rough sea conditions were a significant factor in the tragedy.
Rescue operations were swiftly initiated by several other tourist vessels in the vicinity, leading to the recovery of 21 survivors, some of whom were found trapped inside the submerged boat. Nguyen Tien Hai, a senior Communist official in the region, confirmed that authorities are still working to verify the precise number of fatalities and survivors. He suggested that heavy winds and high waves likely contributed to the capsize, emphasising that the immediate priority was rescue efforts and providing emergency care to those still alive.
Hon May Rut Ngoai is a popular destination for island-hopping boat tours, located about 10km south of Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island. The incident has drawn international attention, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing profound sadness and offering his condolences to the bereaved families. The Indian embassy in Vietnam described the event as 'tragic' and published a full list of the Indian nationals on board, establishing telephone hotlines to assist affected families with information and support.
For UK travellers considering Vietnam, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises exercising caution when undertaking boat tours, particularly in areas known for unpredictable weather or sea conditions. It is crucial to ensure that any tour operator is reputable, holds valid licenses, and adheres to strict safety standards, including providing life jackets and clear safety briefings. Travellers should always check local weather forecasts before embarking on sea excursions.
While Vietnam generally offers a safe and welcoming environment for British tourists, incidents like this highlight the importance of comprehensive travel insurance. Policies should cover emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and repatriation in the event of an accident. A standard tourist visa is required for British citizens visiting Vietnam, typically obtained in advance, with costs varying depending on the duration of stay. Direct flights from major UK airports to Vietnam, such as from London Heathrow to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, are readily available, with return fares often starting from around £600-£800 depending on the season and booking lead time.