Vietnam tragedy: Day after death of 15 Indians, speedboat captain held
Vietnamese authorities have arrested a speedboat captain following a maritime accident that resulted in the deaths of 15 Indian tourists near Phu Quoc island. While initial reports suggest extreme weather was a factor, the investigation into safety violations is ongoing.
Why it matters
Highlights international travel safety risks and the diplomatic coordination required between India and Vietnam following a mass casualty event.
HANOI: Vietnamese police arrested on Sunday the captain of a speedboat that capsized near southern Phu Quoc island, killing 15 Indian tourists, authorities said.The incident occurred on Saturday as the boat carrying 32 Indian tourists, three Vietnamese crew members and a tour guide overturned in rough seas off May Rut Ngoai islet, state media said. Sailors and rescuers recovered 21 people.Police in southern An Giang province said they arrested the 57-year-old captain of the boat for "violations of laws" resulting in the capsize. Tuoi Tre reported that "initial assessments by Vietnamese authorities suggest this was an unavoidable incident caused by extreme weather conditions" that shifted rapidly.State media quoted sailors involved in the rescue effort as saying there were high waves but no rain at the time, and several other tourist boats were operating in the area.
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