A devastating speedboat accident near Phu Quoc island in southern Vietnam has resulted in the deaths of 15 Indian tourists. The boat, carrying 32 tourists and four crew members, capsized while returning from Hon May Rut Ngoai island to An Thoi International Port. Local authorities confirmed that 21 individuals were rescued, with several injured passengers receiving hospital treatment.
The Indian embassy in Vietnam has activated control rooms to assist the families of the victims, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The cause of the accident remains unclear, raising concerns about safety regulations for tourist boats in the region. This incident follows a previous tragedy in Ha Long Bay last year, where 39 people lost their lives due to a capsized tourist boat during a storm.
Phu Quoc is a popular destination known for its beautiful beaches, attracting millions of tourists annually. The incident has sparked discussions about the safety measures in place for maritime travel in Vietnam, especially as the country continues to promote its tourism sector.
As investigations proceed, the focus will likely shift to ensuring better safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future. The impact on tourism could be significant, as potential visitors may reconsider their travel plans in light of these events.
Source: Al Jazeera
