Two Andhra Pradesh Tourists Killed in Tragic Boat Accident in Vietnam

A devastating tourist boat accident near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam has left several Indian travelers dead, including two women from Andhra Pradesh, while rescue operations and medical assistance continue for survivors. The incident has prompted an urgent response from authorities in India, with leaders from both Telugu states expressing grief and closely monitoring the situation.

According to preliminary reports, a tourist speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members overturned while returning to An Thoi Port near Phu Quoc Island. Authorities said 15 Indian tourists lost their lives , while 21 people were rescued, including 17 passengers and all four crew members. Two of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

Andhra Pradesh government sources confirmed that two women from Machilipatnam , identified as Jayalakshmi and Jayashree , were among those killed in the tragedy. Three other tourists from Andhra Pradesh sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment at a local hospital in Vietnam. Officials said they are maintaining constant contact with the Indian Embassy in Vietnam and local authorities to verify details and extend assistance to affected families.

A large-scale rescue operation was launched immediately after the accident by the An Thoi Border Guard Station , the Vietnam Navy , and Coast Guard Region-4 , supported by local vessels. Rescue teams deployed life rafts, jet skis, and emergency personnel to search for passengers and evacuate survivors.

The tour had reportedly been organized by ThreeLand Travel in collaboration with local operator Sai Vietnam . Members of the group were largely mobile phone distributors who had qualified for an international incentive trip sponsored by a leading smartphone company.

Harihar Srinivas, a member of the larger tour group, said around 105 mobile distributors from southern India had traveled to Vietnam as part of a business rewards program. He noted that eight participants from Telangana were also on the trip but were not aboard the boat involved in the accident.

Describing the incident, Srinivas said the vessel capsized after being hit by strong and sudden winds . He suggested that the boat’s fully enclosed structure may have worsened the situation, making escape difficult for passengers trapped inside. He added that nearly 70 people from the broader tour group were being treated or monitored at hospitals and that many survivors remain on the island.

Authorities are investigating whether adverse weather conditions or a technical malfunction contributed to the disaster.

The tragedy has triggered an outpouring of condolences from political leaders. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed officials to coordinate with the Union government and ensure support for affected families. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said 33 people from the state had traveled to Vietnam, with 19 aboard the ill-fated boat, and instructed officials to facilitate the safe return of survivors. Meanwhile, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and urged authorities to intensify rescue and assistance efforts for those still affected by the tragedy.