Hanoi, July 11 (HS): At least 15 Indian tourists were killed after a tourist boat carrying Indian visitors capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, according to Vietnamese state media. Search and rescue operations are underway, while the Indian Embassy in Hanoi has set up emergency control rooms to assist those affected and their families.

According to local media reports, the vessel was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members and one attendant. The boat reportedly overturned shortly after departing Hon May Rut Ngoai Island for An Thoi Port amid rough seas and strong winds, throwing all passengers and crew into the water.

Vietnamese authorities said 21 people were rescued and shifted to hospitals, with two reported to be in critical condition. Search operations were continuing to trace the remaining missing persons.

The Indian Embassy in Hanoi confirmed the incident in a post on X, stating, In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several

Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing.

The Embassy said it is in close coordination with Vietnamese authorities, who are working to establish the exact details of the incident.

To assist affected Indian nationals and their families, the Embassy has established emergency control rooms at the Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh reviewed the situation with senior officials and sought details from AP Bhavan in New Delhi and state authorities after reports indicated that tourists from

Andhra Pradesh might be among those involved in the accident. He directed officials to coordinate with the Central Government and ensure all possible assistance is extended to the affected persons and their families.

Vietnamese rescue agencies, including border guards, the navy and other emergency services, continued search and rescue operations at the accident site. The exact cause of the boat capsize is under investigation.

(Search and rescue operations are continuing. The story will be updated as further details emerge)

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar