NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the tragic speedboat accident near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island that claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists and left several others injured.Taking to X, the Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.“Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic news of a boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam. My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers for the early recovery of the injured survivors,” PM Modi wrote.He also assured that the government was extending all possible support and coordinating closely with Vietnamese authorities following the incident.“Our Embassy and Consulate are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities,” he added.According to news agency AP, the speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when it capsized around 400 metres from shore while travelling from Hon May Rut Island to An Thoi Port.Vietnamese news outlet VnExpress reported that the area was experiencing rough sea conditions at the time of the accident.Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Vietnam confirmed that a boat carrying several Indian tourists had capsized near Phu Quoc Island and said search and rescue operations were under way.“In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam a few hours ago,” the embassy said in a statement.It added that the “exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing.”Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island and one of its most popular tourist destinations, has witnessed a steady increase in tourist arrivals in recent years.
