A speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsized off Phú Quốc island in Vietnam last week, killing 15 people. Survivors described how rough seas and a sharp turn caused the vessel to overturn within minutes of departure.
The boat left Hòn Mây Rút Ngoài island with 32 Indian passengers and four Vietnamese crew members. It overturned about 300 meters from shore after the operator made a sharp turn in rough waters, shifting passenger weight to one side.
Survivor S. Nirmalkumar said everyone wore life jackets and lunch had been planned on a nearby island. He noted the boat felt overloaded despite carrying only 36 people and that the captain and guide jumped first as it tilted.
Ramasubbu, another survivor, said some rescued passengers were alive when pulled out but limited medical help on shore contributed to further deaths. The 15 victims included 10 from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala. Their bodies are scheduled to arrive in India on Monday.
The Indian tourists were part of a corporate incentive tour. The Vietnamese government has said it will review safety standards for such boats.
