Vietnam Boat Tragedy: Indian Embassy Releases Helpline Numbers

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam has set up emergency control rooms and released helpline numbers for families of the victims after a speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsized off Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, killing at least 15 people, as per the local media reports.

In a social media post, the embassy confirmed the tragedy and urged affected families to reach out for assistance. Control rooms have been established at the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and in Hanoi, with officials available round the clock.

The Ho Chi Minh City control room can be contacted at +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 37 14, and +84 33 452 0414. The Hanoi control room is reachable at +84 91 308 9165.

"We are available for any assistance and queries," the embassy stated, adding that exact details of the incident are still being ascertained as local authorities continue search and rescue operations.

The capsizing occurred around 1 p.m (local time) when the Ocean Pear Island Company speedboat was ferrying tourists from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port, about 25 kilometers from Phu Quoc Airport. The vessel overturned roughly 400 meters off Hon May Rut Ngoai, throwing all passengers into the sea, according to initial information from the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone administration.

Nearby tourist boats rushed to the scene after spotting the overturned vessel. One boat owner who participated in the rescue said his craft arrived within five minutes, but many passengers remained trapped inside the hull.

"Only a few people were brought out conscious," he told local media, adding that the sea off An Thoi was rough at the time, although skies were clear and tourist boats were still operating in the area.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island, has emerged as a popular destination for international travelers. The island recorded 5.7 million tourist arrivals in the first six months of this year-a 30% increase year-on-year-with foreign visitors alone surging 50% to 1.32 million, according to the provincial Department of Tourism.

The rescue teams remain at the site as officials work to determine the exact cause of the capsizing. The Indian Embassy is in touch with Vietnamese authorities and has assured all possible support to the families.