By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
At least 15 Indian tourists were killed after a speedboat carrying holidaymakers capsized near Vietnam’s popular Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, in one of the worst maritime tragedies involving Indian nationals abroad in recent years.
Vietnamese authorities launched a massive search and rescue operation that saved 21 people, while investigations into the cause of the accident are underway. All the bodies have been recovered, media reports said.
The speedboat, carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members, overturned in rough seas shortly after departing Hon May Rut Ngoai Island for An Thoi Port, about 25 kilometres from Phu Quoc International Airport. Initial reports suggested that strong winds and high waves may have contributed to the accident, though officials said the exact cause would be determined after a detailed investigation.
Rescue efforts began immediately as nearby boats rushed to the scene before being joined by Vietnam’s border guards, navy and coast guard. Television footage showed life buoys being thrown into the water while rescuers on jet skis ferried survivors to shore. Many of those who died were reportedly trapped inside the overturned vessel, making rescue efforts extremely difficult. Survivors were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy. He said officials from the Indian Embassy were coordinating closely with Vietnamese authorities to assist survivors and the families of the deceased.
The Indian Embassy in Hanoi confirmed the incident and said it had established emergency control rooms in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to provide information and assistance to affected families. Embassy officials said they were working with local authorities as rescue and recovery operations continued.