A tragic maritime accident unfolded on Saturday afternoon when a speedboat operated by Ocean Pear Island Company overturned near the popular tourist destination of Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. The disaster claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists, many of them hailing from the Telugu‑speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Incident Details

The vessel was carrying 36 passengers, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members and one attendant, on a short ferry from Hon May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port. According to Vietnamese authorities, the boat capsized, throwing everyone into the sea. All 36 occupants were eventually rescued, but 15—13 men and 2 women—lost their lives while 21 survived.

State‑Level Response

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed profound shock and ordered senior officials to coordinate urgently with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Vietnam. “Telangana will extend all possible support to the affected families,” he assured, emphasizing medical assistance and identification of victims.

In Andhra Pradesh, Minister Nara Lokesh personally monitored the situation from the state’s Delhi bhavan, directing officials to maintain constant contact with the embassy and to provide comprehensive assistance to the victims’ relatives.

Both states have activated their NRI departments, opening dedicated control rooms with helpline numbers: 9885371189, 7997959754, 9989654807, and 7997959779.

National and Diplomatic Measures

Union Minister of State Bandi Sanjay Kumar conveyed his grief on X, stating, “The loss of Indian lives in the tragic boat mishap near Phu Quoc, Vietnam, is heartbreaking.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted his condolences, highlighting that the Indian Embassy and Consulate are providing “all possible assistance” and are in close contact with Vietnamese authorities.

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam confirmed the presence of 32 Indian tourists on board and has set up control rooms in Ho Chi Minh City ( +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 3714, +84 33 452 0414 ) and Hanoi ( +84 91 308 9165 ) to aid families.

Broader Implications

This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter safety regulations in Southeast Asian coastal tourism. As tourist traffic to Vietnam surges, both Indian travel agencies and foreign operators must prioritize vessel certification and emergency preparedness. The swift governmental response demonstrates a robust consular framework, yet it also calls for a coordinated international effort to mitigate future maritime risks.