Vietnam boat crash: Captain held as survivors allege rescue, medical lapses

Vietnamese authorities have detained the captain of a tourist speedboat that capsized off Phu Quoc Island, killing 15 Indian tourists, as investigations continue into one of the deadliest accidents involving Indian travellers overseas in recent years.

The accident occurred on July 11 when a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members overturned near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, close to Phu Quoc, while returning to An Thoi Port.

The boat capsized just a few hundred metres from the shore after encountering rough seas and strong waves. Twenty-one people survived the incident, though several sustained injuries.

Vietnamese police have taken the 57-year-old captain, Nguyen Hong Hai, into custody on suspicion of violating inland waterway transport safety regulations. Authorities have launched a criminal investigation to determine whether negligence or safety lapses contributed to the accident.

The victims were part of a company trip organised by Indian smartphone maker Lava International. According to authorities, the deceased included 10 people from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala.

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam has been coordinating with Vietnamese authorities to complete documentation and repatriate the bodies to India.

While the investigation is underway, survivors have raised serious concerns about the rescue and emergency response. Some alleged that although nearby boats reached the scene, critically injured passengers did not receive timely medical attention after being brought ashore.

Others claimed the island lacked adequate emergency facilities, including oxygen support and sufficient medical personnel, and said delays in evacuation may have reduced the chances of survival for some victims. These allegations have not been independently verified and have not been confirmed by Vietnamese authorities.

Eyewitnesses also alleged that many passengers were wearing life jackets but became trapped beneath the overturned vessel as it capsized within seconds. Rescue efforts were initially carried out by nearby tourist boats before emergency teams arrived.

According to Vietnamese authorities, 16 survivors have been discharged from hospital and returned to India, while one person remains in critical condition in Vietnam.

The Indian Embassy established emergency response centres in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi following the accident and has been assisting survivors and the families of those killed.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and directed authorities to review maritime safety measures for tourist operations.

The tragedy has also renewed attention on maritime safety at Vietnam's popular tourist destinations. Phu Quoc has witnessed a sharp rise in Indian visitors in recent years, with India emerging as one of the country's fastest-growing tourism markets.