Vietnam Orders Safety Review After Deadly Phu Quoc Tourist Boat Accident

Vietnamese authorities have ordered an investigation and a review of waterway safety around Phu Quoc after a tourist canoe capsized during a sea excursion on July 11, 2026, killing 15 Indian tourists.

The accident happened at about 1pm local time near Hon May Rut Ngoai, south of Phu Quoc, while the boat was returning to An Thoi International Port. Vietnam’s Government e-newspaper, citing an official dispatch and a Phu Quoc authority statement, said the vessel Ocean Pearl Island, registration AG-26751, was carrying 32 Indian tourists, three crew members and one Vietnamese guide. The local statement said the boat capsized after leaving the island area by about 400 metres, in conditions described as strong winds and high waves.

By mid-afternoon, rescue teams had brought 36 people ashore. Officials reported that 21 people survived and 15 Indian nationals died, including 13 men and two women. Survivors were taken for medical treatment on Phu Quoc, while local authorities coordinated with diplomatic officials on consular support and assistance for families.

Investigation and safety checks ordered

The Prime Minister instructed An Giang authorities and several ministries to deal with the aftermath, clarify the direct and indirect causes of the accident, and hold any violators accountable under Vietnamese law. The Ministry of Construction was directed to inspect inland waterway and maritime safety at the accident site and in similar areas, including passenger transport management, vessel safety conditions, life-saving equipment, rescue equipment, operator qualifications and passenger pick-up procedures.

Vietnam News, citing provincial authorities, also reported that police were examining the accident site and that maritime tourism businesses in Phu Quoc were being checked for compliance with safety rules. No blanket suspension of Phu Quoc island tours had been announced in the official material reviewed for this article, but travellers should expect closer scrutiny of boat operators while the investigation continues.

Planning boat trips in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is one of Vietnam’s busiest beach destinations, and tours from An Thoi to nearby islands such as Hon May Rut are common parts of southern Phu Quoc itineraries. Visitors booking boat excursions should confirm the operator, departure point, weather policy and life-jacket availability before boarding, especially during unsettled sea conditions.

Practical questions to ask before a trip include whether the vessel is licensed for passenger service, whether life jackets are available and worn, whether the tour will be cancelled or delayed in strong wind or rough seas, and how the operator communicates changes once guests are already at an island stop. Travellers should avoid pressure to board if conditions look unsafe and should keep passports, insurance details and emergency contacts accessible when joining sea tours.

The official investigation had not yet published a final cause at the time of writing. Early official statements point to rough sea conditions as a factor, while authorities are separately reviewing vessel safety, operator compliance and response procedures.