Tragedy Strikes as Speedboat Capsizes in Vietnam, 15 Dead

WHO:

CBS News - The speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members.

ABC News - The captain of the speedboat is Nguyen Hong Hai, 57, who is under investigation.

CBS News - The victims were part of a company trip organized by India's Lava International, a smartphone and consumer electronics manufacturer.

ABC News - The Indian Embassy in Hanoi reported the details regarding the victims and survivors.

WHAT:

CBS News - The speedboat capsized, resulting in the deaths of 15 Indian tourists.

ABC News - The bodies of the 15 Indian tourists are being returned home.

CBS News - Sixteen survivors were discharged from the hospital, while one remains in critical condition.

CBS News - The Indian Embassy stated that 10 of the deceased were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala.

WHERE:

CBS News - The incident occurred off southern Vietnam, near Hon May Rut Ngoai island, close to Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island.

ABC News - Hon May Rut island is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Phu Quoc.

WHEN:

CBS News - The speedboat capsized shortly after leaving Hon May Rut Ngoai island on a Saturday afternoon.

ABC News - The flight carrying the remains from Ho Chi Minh City is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai late Monday.

WHY:

CBS News - Initial assessments suggest the incident was caused by extreme weather conditions that shifted rapidly.

CBS News - The captain is under investigation for alleged violations of waterway transport safety regulations.

HOW:

CBS News - The speedboat overturned less than half a kilometer from shore.

CBS News - Nearby boats rushed to the rescue, but rough seas with waves up to 10 feet hampered the efforts.

CBS News - Passengers reported that the captain instructed everyone to wear life jackets, but many carried them instead.

(UPDATED July 13, 2026 11:52 UTC)

A tragic incident off southern Vietnam has resulted in the deaths of 15 Indian tourists after a speedboat capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai island. The speedboat, carrying 32 tourists and four crew members, overturned shortly after departing, with initial assessments indicating that extreme weather conditions played a role in the disaster. The captain, Nguyen Hong Hai, is currently under investigation for possible safety violations, while the Indian Embassy in Hanoi is coordinating the return of the victims' bodies, with a flight from Ho Chi Minh City scheduled to arrive in Mumbai late Monday.