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15 die as speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsizes on Vietnam’s largest island Phu Quoc

Samira Vishwas | July 11, 2026 7:24 PM CST

The scene of an overturned speedboat in the waters off Phu Quoc on July 11, 2026. Photo provided by a local resident

Around 1 p.m., the speedboat operated by Ocean Pear Island Company was transporting the tourists from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port, about 25 kilometers from Phu Quoc Airport, when it capsized about 400 meters off Hon May Rut Ngoai, throwing everyone on board into the sea, according to initial information from authorities in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone.

Nearby tourist boats rushed to assist after spotting the capsized boat. One boat owner involved in the rescue said his vessel reached the scene within about five minutes, but the operation was hampered because many tourists were trapped inside the overturned boat.

“Only a few people were brought out conscious,” he said, adding that the sea off An Thoi was rough at the time, although there was no rain and tourist boats were still operating in the area.

The An Thoi Border Guard dispatched two vessels and 35 officers and soldiers to the scene, joining rescue efforts alongside the navy, coast guard and other relevant forces.

By the afternoon, rescuers had brought all 36 people aboard the speedboat to shore. 21 survived, while 15 others — including two women and 13 men — were confirmed dead.

A representative of Ocean Pear Island Company said the speedboat had been taking tourists on an island-hopping trip. The captain, who is in his 50s, had many years of experience operating passenger boats.

May Rut Islet, which consists of May Rut Trong and May Rut Ngoai, lies about 10–12 kilometers south of An Thoi in Phu Quoc. Known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs, it is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. The islet is typically reached by boat or speedboat from An Thoi in 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the type of vessel.

Phu Quoc received 5.7 million tourists in the first six months this year, up 30% year-on-year and meeting 68% of this year’s target.

Vietnam’s largest island off the southern province of An Giang received 1.32 million foreign tourists during the period, up 50% year-on-year, according to a report from the province’s Department of Tourism.