+1 •Curated by Copilot•43m ago Vietnam arrests captain after Phu Quoc boat tragedy kills 15 Captain faces arrest: Police detained the 57-year-old captain for alleged legal violations linked to the deadly capsizing. Deadly tourist trip: The speedboat, carrying mostly Indian tourists, overturned in rough seas near Hon May Rut Ngoai islet, killing 15. Tourism safety concerns: The disaster has reignited debate over Vietnam’s tourist boat safety amid a booming travel industry.         Captain arrested after Phu Quoc boat tragedyHow the disaster unfoldedPhu Quoc's tourism boom and safety concernsInvestigation and safety reviews underway Captain arrested after Phu Quoc boat tragedy Vietnamese police in An Giang province arrested the 57-year-old captain of the speedboat for "violations of laws" that led to the capsizing. Authorities said the arrest followed initial assessments suggesting extreme weather played a role, though rescue witnesses reported high waves but no rain at the time. The arrest signals a move toward accountability even as the investigation continues. AFP   AFP How the disaster unfolded The speedboat, operated by Ocean Pearl Island Company, was returning from Hon May Rut Ngoai to An Thoi Port when it capsized about 400 meters from shore. On board were 32 Indian tourists, three Vietnamese crew members, and a tour guide; 21 people survived, while 15 Indian passengers died. Witnesses and officials reported rough seas with strong waves at the time, and nearby tourist boats assisted in rescue efforts before emergency services arrived. Reuters + 2   I spotted the overturned vessel with about a dozen men clinging to its hull. Several people were drifting at sea and not wearing life jackets. Loc and his crew threw lifebuoys with ropes to pull them aboard his boat and called for additional help. Ha Van Loc,Rescue witness AFP     Phu Quoc's tourism boom and safety concerns Phu Quoc has rapidly grown into a major tourist hub, drawing 1.8 million foreign visitors last year, including many from India. The tragedy has led several tourism companies to suspend speedboat services between islets. The incident follows a 2025 Ha Long Bay disaster that killed 39, underscoring recurring concerns over vessel safety, weather preparedness, and emergency response in Vietnam’s tourist destinations. AFP + 1   Investigation and safety reviews underway Vietnamese authorities are examining whether factors such as weather, mechanical issues, vessel stability, passenger distribution, or operational decisions contributed to the accident. While initial reports cite sudden extreme weather, witness accounts describe high waves without rain. The Indian embassy is assisting survivors and coordinating repatriation of victims’ bodies, while safety reviews are expected to follow the investigation. AFP + 2   AFP