New Delhi, July 11: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday expressed grief over the speedboat accident near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island involving Indian tourists and urged the Central Government to work closely with Vietnamese authorities to ensure rescue efforts continue and all necessary assistance is provided to the affected families.
In a post on X, Gandhi said he was saddened by the incident and extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He also expressed concern for those still missing and appealed to the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs to remain in close coordination with Vietnamese authorities during the ongoing rescue operation.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed grief over the incident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He urged the Ministry of External Affairs to closely monitor the situation, coordinate with Vietnamese authorities, and ensure all possible support is extended to the affected Indian families.
According to Vietnamese newspaper VN Express, at least 15 people were killed after a speedboat carrying 36 people capsized near Phu Quoc Island on Saturday. The boat, operated by Ocean Pear Island Company, was ferrying tourists from Hon May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port when it overturned, throwing all passengers into the sea.
Rescue teams brought all 36 people ashore. Authorities confirmed that 21 people survived, while 15 others, including two women and 13 men, lost their lives.
The Embassy of India in Vietnam said that 32 Indian tourists were on board the boat, along with three crew members and one flight attendant. The embassy said it is in touch with local authorities and monitoring the situation.