Bodies of 15 Indian tourists killed in Vietnam boat accident are flown
home
[July 14, 2026]
By ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL and SHEIKH SAALIQ
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — The bodies of 15 Indian tourists who died when a
speedboat capsized off southern Vietnam last week were being returned
home Monday.
The speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew
members when it overturned near shore Saturday afternoon, shortly after
leaving Hon May Rut Ngoai island near Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest
island, authorities said.
The boat's captain, Nguyen Hong Hai, 57, is under investigation for
alleged violations of waterway transport safety regulations, state media
reported.
The flight carrying the remains from Ho Chi Minh City would arrive in
Mumbai late Monday, the Indian Embassy said on social media. It said the
home states were asked to coordinate further travel. Ten of the dead
were from Tamil Nadu state, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from
Kerala.
Lava International, a smartphone and consumer electronics manufacturer,
based in Uttar Pradesh, said the group was on a company trip for
employees, distributors and retail partners.
Survivor recounts a holiday turned tragedy
The embassy previously said 16 survivors were released from the hospital
and returning to India.
Nirmal Kumar, 44, a businessman, said what began as a leisurely trip
descended into chaos within minutes as a storm lashed the boat.
A large wave crashed into the vessel, triggering panic among passengers,
he said. He said the boat rocked violently in rough waters before it
capsized, adding that the vessel appeared increasingly difficult to
control.
“People rushed from one side of the boat to the other, and then they
started jumping,” Kumar told The Associated Press. “I also jumped into
the water.”
Rescue teams arrived within five minutes, he said, and pulled survivors
from the water.
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Investigators with crew members involved in the speedboat incident
in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, Sunday, July 12, 2026. (VNA/Tran Van Si)
Kumar said the experience has left him traumatized. Among those who
died was one of his childhood friends, who had traveled with him
expecting a memorable holiday.
“I still can’t process that he is dead,” Kumar said.
One survivor is in critical condition
One survivor remained in critical condition and was transferred
Monday to Cho Ray Hospital, one of Vietnam’s premier public
hospitals, in Ho Chi Minh City for specialized treatment.
Doctors told state media outlet Vietnam News that the 49-year-old
man had severe lung damage after nearly drowning, along with shock,
multiple injuries and bleeding in the brain.
Dr. Tran Thanh Linh, head of the hospital’s intensive care unit,
told state media that his blood pressure and blood oxygen levels had
improved.
The scene of the capsizing is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of
Phu Quoc, one of Vietnam’s most popular beach destinations. Both are
known for their white sandy beaches and clear waters, drawing
millions of domestic and foreign tourists each year.
India is one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing tourism markets.
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Saaliq reported from New Delhi, India.
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