15 Indians killed as tourist boat capsizes in Vietnam

A tragic incident off Vietnam's southern coast claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists when their speedboat capsized on Saturday afternoon. The vessel, carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members, was returning from an island trip near the popular resort island of Phu Quoc when it overturned shortly after departing Hon May Rut Ngoai island.

The victims were part of a larger group from India, including dealers, distributors, and staff from Lava Mobiles, a smartphone and consumer electronics manufacturer. The company had organized the trip as an incentive for channel partners who achieved sales targets. Lava Mobiles confirmed that 14 of its channel partners and one staff member were among the deceased and is cooperating with authorities for the repatriation of the bodies.

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but by then it was too late

Accounts from survivors and witnesses paint a harrowing picture of the accident. Ashish Kumar, an Indian tourist who witnessed the capsize, stated that the boat tipped over shortly after setting off, and passengers were heard screaming for help. He noted the lack of immediate emergency medical care available on shore. Another survivor, Murugaraj from Tamil Nadu, recounted that a large wave struck the boat about 2 km offshore, causing it to tilt and throwing passengers off balance.

Vietnamese news outlets quoted witnesses who reported some individuals being trapped inside the capsized vessel. Footage showed rescue teams deploying life buoys in rough seas and strong winds, with jet skis assisting survivors back to shore. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the capsize, with the varying accounts suggesting potential factors like wave impact or vessel stability issues.

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We could not handle the pressure as the ship was overturning. Somehow, we managed to get out through the window and grabbed onto the railings