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At least 15 Indian tourists have died after a speedboat capsized near Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam, local authorities told news agency AP. Authorities said the boat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members.The speedboat was travelling from Hon May Rut Island to An Thoi Port when it capsized about 400 metres from shore, according to local authorities quoted by VnExpress. VnExpress reported that the area was experiencing rough sea conditions.Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Vietnam had confirmed that a boat carrying several Indian tourists had capsized, prompting a search and rescue operation.In a statement, the embassy said, “In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam a few hours ago.”It added that the “exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing.”The embassy said it has set up control rooms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to assist affected families and provide information about the incident.“In order to provide information and assistance to affected families, a Control Room at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City has been set up,” the statement said, adding that another control room has also been established in Hanoi.Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island and one of its most popular tourist destinations, has seen a steady rise in visitors in recent years.
