Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered authorities to investigate the cause of a tourist speedboat accident that killed 15 people off Phu Quoc on July 11 and to take strict legal action against any organisations or individuals found responsible.
The scene of the speedboat capsize in Phu Quoc that left 15 people dead (Photo taken from video).
According to Official Dispatch No. 47 issued by the prime minister, the accident occurred at about 1 pm in waters around 200 metres off Hon May Rut in An Thoi, Phu Quoc Special Zone, An Giang Province.
The speedboat, registration number AG-26751, was carrying 32 Indian tourists, three crew members and one Vietnamese tour guide from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port when it capsized.
As of 3 pm on July 11, authorities had confirmed 15 fatalities.
Upon receiving news of the accident, Le Minh Hung extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and expressed sympathy for the injured.
He also instructed the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Construction, An Giang Province authorities, and emergency response agencies, including police, medical teams, the coast guard and border guards, to immediately mobilise resources at the scene to carry out rescue operations and deal with the aftermath.
The prime minister directed the chairman of the An Giang Province People's Committee to ensure that all necessary medical treatment, medicines and emergency care are provided to the injured in order to minimise casualties and property losses. Local authorities were also instructed to visit and support the families of those who died.
An Giang Province has been tasked with leading a comprehensive review of the incident, assessing both direct and indirect causes, identifying any shortcomings in safety management and implementing corrective measures where necessary.
The Ministry of Public Security has been instructed to direct An Giang Province Police and relevant agencies to conduct an urgent investigation into the accident and strictly prosecute any organisations or individuals found to have violated safety regulations or contributed to the disaster.
The Ministry of Construction has also been ordered to review waterway and maritime safety conditions at the accident site and other areas with similar operating conditions.
The ministry is required to strengthen oversight of passenger transport by water, including inspections of vessel safety standards, life-saving and rescue equipment, operator qualifications and passenger embarkation procedures, while addressing any deficiencies that could lead to similar accidents.
In addition, the prime minister instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work closely with the Embassy of India in Vietnam and relevant agencies to provide consular assistance, protect the interests of Indian citizens and handle matters arising from the accident.
