‘The Boat Had Just Left’: Eyewitness Describes Vietnam Disaster That Killed 15 Indian Tourists

‘Boat Had Just Left the Shore’: Eyewitness Recounts Vietnam Tragedy That Claimed 15 Indian Lives

An Indian tourist who witnessed the boat accident near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island on Saturday said the vessel had barely travelled 300 to 400 metres before it capsized, leaving dozens of passengers struggling for survival. The tragedy claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists and left several others injured.

The victims were part of a group of Lava International employees, distributors and channel partners who were on an incentive trip to Vietnam.

‘It Happened Before We Could React’

Ashish Kumar, a 48-year-old mobile phone distributor from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, told PTI that the group had arrived in Vietnam on July 9 and was due to return to India the following day.

He said the tourists had been split into different batches to travel between islands. One speedboat carrying 32 Indian passengers had just departed from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island when disaster struck.

“The incident happened around 1.30 pm local time. The boat had barely gone 300 to 400 metres when it suddenly overturned. We were taking photographs on the island, and everything happened before we could react,” Kumar said.

He added that the weather did not appear unusually severe at the time.

“There was some wind, which is normal on an island, but nothing that seemed alarming. The boat had hardly left the shore when it capsized.”

‘We Were Screaming for Help’

Kumar said panic spread instantly as people on the island watched the boat overturn.

“We were all screaming for help. Rescue teams reached quickly and brought survivors and victims back to shore.”

While praising the prompt rescue response, he claimed emergency medical support was not immediately available.

“The rescue teams did their job, but there were no medical personnel present to administer CPR or provide immediate treatment. Everyone is still in shock.”

He also recounted the personal toll of the tragedy, saying one of his fellow distributors had lost his wife in the accident and remained hospitalised.

Survivor Describes Moments Before Capsize

Another survivor, Nirmal Kumar from Palani, Tamil Nadu, said the boat overturned within moments after being hit by a powerful wave.

According to him, the vessel was carrying 39 passengers when the incident occurred.

“A big wave hit the boat. About 20 people managed to get out, but the others became trapped inside because it was a closed boat. We were seated near the front, which helped us escape.”

He said the entire incident unfolded in seconds, leaving passengers with almost no time to respond.

Lava International Extends Support

Following the tragedy, Lava International expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and confirmed that several of its employees and channel partners were among the victims.

The company said it is coordinating with the Embassy of India in Vietnam and local authorities while providing assistance to affected families.

“Our immediate priority is to support those impacted by this tragic incident. Our teams in India and Vietnam remain in constant contact with the families and are extending every possible assistance,” the company said in a statement.

According to Vietnamese media reports, 15 Indian tourists were killed in the accident. The speedboat was also carrying four crew members when it capsized. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.