Vietnamese authorities have detained the captain of a tourist speedboat and initiated a criminal investigation following the tragic boat accident near Phu Quoc Island that claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists. The move comes a day after one of the deadliest incidents involving Indian travellers overseas in recent years.

According to Vietnamese authorities, the captain has been taken into custody on allegations of violating inland waterway safety regulations, while investigators examine the circumstances that led to the fatal capsizing of the vessel. 

Captain Under Criminal Investigation

Police in Vietnam's An Giang province confirmed that criminal proceedings have been initiated against the captain as part of a formal investigation into the disaster.

Authorities are examining whether safety protocols, navigation procedures and operational guidelines were followed before the vessel departed. Investigators are also reviewing weather conditions, the boat's technical status and crew actions leading up to the accident. 

Boat Capsized Near Phu Quoc

The accident occurred on July 11 when the tourist speedboat, carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members, capsized shortly after departing Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, near the popular tourist destination of Phu Quoc in southern Vietnam.

Officials said the vessel overturned less than 500 metres from the shore. Rescue teams, including emergency boats and jet skis, rushed to the scene and managed to pull survivors from the water despite rough sea conditions. 

Fifteen Indians Killed

The tragedy claimed the lives of 15 Indian nationals, while the remaining passengers were rescued, although several sustained injuries. One survivor remains in critical condition, according to local authorities.

Most of the victims were reportedly from the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, and were part of a company-sponsored trip organised by Indian electronics manufacturer Lava International. 

Weather and Safety Under Scrutiny

Preliminary reports indicate that rough seas and high waves complicated rescue operations. Witnesses said the weather deteriorated rapidly after the vessel left the island, causing the boat to overturn within moments.

Survivors have also raised concerns over the availability of emergency medical facilities and rescue preparedness at the nearby tourist destination, issues that are expected to form part of the ongoing investigation. 

Vietnam Orders Wider Review

Following the incident, Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hun directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the accident and review safety standards governing tourist boat operations.

The government has ordered officials to determine accountability while strengthening maritime safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. 

Investigation Continues

Vietnamese investigators are collecting evidence, questioning crew members and examining the vessel to determine the exact cause of the accident.

The criminal probe is expected to establish whether negligence, operational lapses or adverse weather conditions were primarily responsible for the disaster.

As authorities continue their investigation, the incident has sparked renewed debate over passenger safety standards in Vietnam's growing marine tourism industry, particularly around popular island destinations that attract thousands of international visitors every year.