A tourist boat returning from a trip to an island in southern Vietnam capsized, killing 15 Indian tourists, state media reported.
The speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when it capsized about 400 meters off Hon Mai Rut Ngo Ai island, which is near Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, authorities said.
Eyewitnesses told VN Express that before border guards, naval forces, coast guards and other rescue services arrived, nearby boats rushed to the scene and began to pull passengers out of the water.
The rescue was difficult as many were trapped inside, VN Express reported.
According to authorities, 21 people were rescued and all the dead were found.
21 people were taken to hospital for treatment. (AP: Le Yui Hai/VIA)
The Tuoi Tre newspaper, citing local police, said all 21 people rescued were taken to hospital for emergency treatment, two of whom were in critical condition.
Footage shown on Vietnamese television showed rough seas and strong winds as rescue teams threw life preservers to people in the water.
Jet skis brought survivors back to shore, and people on the beach provided first aid to the victims.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung ordered an investigation into the cause of the accident and instructed authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
He also asked authorities to check the safety of waterways and navigation in the area where the accident occurred and other similar areas.
Phu Quoc is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. (Reuters: James Pearson)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the tourists were employees of a private mobile phone company attending an annual meeting.
He wrote on social media that Indian Embassy officials are at the scene and are “providing all possible assistance.”
“Extremely saddened to learn of the tragic news of a disaster involving Indian citizens near Phu Quoc, Vietnam,” Mr Modi said.
“My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers for the speedy recovery of the victims.”
The cause of the accident was not immediately clear and the investigation is ongoing.
Phu Quoc on the Gulf of Thailand is one of Vietnam’s most popular beach destinations. Hon Mae Rut Island is located about 10 km south of Phu Quoc.
The islands are known for their white sand beaches and clear waters and attract millions of domestic and foreign tourists every year.
Boating accidents are common in Vietnam, where extreme weather conditions, constant flooding and poor maintenance lead to frequent tragedies.
Last July, 39 people were killed when a tour boat carrying families around northern Vietnam’s famed Ha Long Bay capsized after a sudden storm.
AP/ABC