Vietnamese authorities have detained the operator of a speedboat that capsized off Phu Quoc Island, killing 15 Indian tourists, and opened a criminal investigation into the incident. The accident occurred on Saturday, July 11, 2026, and the captain was detained the next day.
The vessel was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four local crew members when it overturned about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai, near the An Thoi Archipelago off southern Phu Quoc. Fifteen Indian passengers died in the accident; the remainder were rescued and treated by local responders.
The detained operator has been identified as Captain Nguyen Hong Hai, 57, a resident of Thuan Tien hamlet in Son Kien commune, An Giang province, who was temporarily staying in the Phu Quoc special zone. Authorities have launched a criminal probe to determine the cause of the capsizing and whether any legal violations occurred.
Investigators conducted an on-site examination, collected evidence and documents, and recorded statements from survivors, crew and other witnesses to establish the sequence of events leading to the accident. The inquiry is ongoing and will be handled under Vietnamese law.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung ordered an immediate investigation and directed officials to hold those responsible accountable, according to local reports.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island and a popular destination for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs and island-hopping tours, has temporarily suspended speedboat excursions to the An Thoi Archipelago following the capsizing. Local operators said services will resume only after weather conditions improve and authorities confirm it is safe to return to sea.
The incident has prompted heightened scrutiny of tour safety practices and weather-related operating rules for maritime excursions in the region. Local and national authorities continue to coordinate the investigation and provide assistance to victims and their families.