A boat carrying 32 Indian tourists and 4 crew members malfunctioned and capsized after leaving Hon May Rut Ngoai island in Thailand on Saturday.
About 15 passengers are reported dead in the accident.
According to the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone authorities, the speedboat, which was being driven by Nguyen Hong Hai, capsized at around 1 pm, about 400 meters away from the Hon May Rut Ngoai island.
Most of the passengers and crew members reportedly fell into the water. Some of the passengers were trapped inside the boat.
The boat belonged to Minh Huy Phu Quoc Tourism and Trading Company Limited.
The An Thoi Border Guard Station immediately deployed two vessels with 35 guards and soldiers for a rescue operation. The Navy, Coast Guard, and other forces also joined the operation. The rescue forces deployed life rafts and used jet skis to bring the victims ashore. Many tourist boats operating near the area also approached the scene to participate in helping the victims.
All 36 people were brought ashore by the afternoon. About 15 people, two women and 13 men, died in the accident, according to Thai media outlet VnExpress.
The An Thoi Port Border Guard Station said that the survivors were taken for emergency treatment.
Tran Minh Khoa, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, said that many of the tourists were brought ashore in critical condition and immediately transferred to medical facilities for emergency treatment.
The cause of the accident is being investigated.
According to eyewitness reports, the area where the accident occurred had strong winds and waves at the time of the incident. The location is known for its small rocky beach and coral reef diving spots, and is entering its peak summer tourist season.
