A speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsized off southern Vietnam's Phu Quoc island on Saturday, killing at least 15 people, state media reported.

The boat was carrying 36 people when it overturned around 400 metres off May Rut Ngoai islet, according to the VnExpress website.

VnExpress reported that sea conditions were rough, with large waves in the area at the time.

Multiple tourist and coast guard boats participated in a rescue effort, during which some people were plucked safely from the water.

The Tuoi Tre newspaper quoted local police as saying 21 people had been transported to a hospital for emergency treatment, two of whom were in critical condition.

All 15 of the deceased were foreigners, according to Tuoi Tre.

India's embassy in Vietnam confirmed the capsized boat had been carrying "several Indian tourists" but said that "exact details of the incident are being ascertained".

Located just south of Vietnam's largest island Phu Quoc, May Rut Ngoai is known for its pristine blue waters, white sand beaches and accessible diving reefs.

Visitors often access the islet by speedboat from the main island.

Phu Quoc has seen a major tourism boom in recent years, with more than 1.8 million foreigners visiting the island last year. (Agencies)






Edited by Azam Khan