Police in Vietnam have arrested a local man who operated the ill-fated speedboat that capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai off Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, resulting in the death of 15 Indian tourists. Captain Nguyen Hong Hai, a 57-year-old resident of Thuan Tien hamlet, Son Kien commune in An Giang province, was arrested on Sunday as part of the criminal investigation launched in connection with the mishap the previous day.
Vietnam probes boat accident
According to VN Express International, following the accident on Saturday, investigators and other competent forces immediately conducted a scene examination, gathered evidence and documents, and recorded statements from those involved to determine the cause of the mishap.
The investigation is ongoing to ensure any violations are strictly dealt with under Vietnamese law, the report added.
Speedboat tours suspended in Phu Quoc Island
Quick answers to key questions
What caused the boat to capsize near Phu Quoc Island?⌵
The speedboat capsized reportedly due to high waves and possible overloading, shortly after it had left for another island.
Why were the speedboat tours suspended in Phu Quoc Island?⌵
Authorities suspended speedboat tours to ensure visitor safety, as weather conditions needed to improve following the tragic accident.
How are the families of the victims being supported after the Vietnam boat tragedy?⌵
The Vietnamese government has established working groups to assist the victims’ families and facilitate the repatriation of the deceased’s remains.
What is the current status of the survivors from the speedboat incident?⌵
Sixteen of the seventeen rescued Indian tourists have been discharged from the hospital and are heading back to India, while one remains hospitalized.
Should tourists take precautions while on speedboat tours in Vietnam?⌵
Yes, tourists should consider wearing life jackets and be aware of weather conditions when participating in speedboat tours to enhance their safety.
Authorities have also temporarily suspended speedboat tours to the An Thoi Archipelago off Phu Quoc Island. Local operators and authorities said services will resume only when weather conditions improve to ensure visitor safety.
Hours after the accident, Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung ordered an investigation into the cause of the accident and directed authorities to hold those responsible accountable.
15 Indian tourists killed
15 people drowned on Saturday after the speedboat, which was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four local crew members, capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai off in southern Vietnam on Saturday.
The Indian tourists were returning from an island visit when their speedboat capsized about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai island.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is a major tourist destination known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs and island-hopping excursions.
Vietnam working to repatriate victims
The Vietnam government has also constituted two working groups to help the families of victims while continuing to coordinate closely with the People’s Committee of An Giang Province, the Phu Quoc Special Zone, relevant agencies, the Embassy of Vietnam in India, the Embassy of India in Ha Noi, and the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City to urgently carry out consular and citizen protection work, and facilitate the early repatriation of the remains of the 15 deceased.
The bodies of the were taken to Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday, from where they will be flown to India soon, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi said.
The Indian mission also said that 16 of the 17 rescued Indian tourists are on their way back home, while another person, who is in critical condition, is hospitalised in Phu Quoc.
“The mortal remains of 15 Indian Nationals who tragically passed away in yesterday’s boat accident have reached Ho Chi Minh City. After completion of formalities at Ho Chi Minh, the mortal remains would be transported to India at the earliest,” the embassy said in a post on X on Sunday.
