At least 15 Indian tourists lost their lives and 17 others were injured after a speedboat carrying 32 Indian passengers and four crew members capsized around 400-500 metres from Hon May Rut Ngoai island near Phu Quoc, Vietnam, on Saturday afternoon.

The passengers were part of a company-sponsored trip organised for members of Lava International's dealer network, comprising mobile phone dealers from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and other southern states.They were returning to An Thoi port after visiting an island when the accident took place.

According to the Indian Embassy in Vietnam, the deceased included three people from Andhra Pradesh, 10 from Tamil Nadu and two from Kerala, while several injured passengers are from Telangana.Four of the injured remain in critical condition and are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.Survivors said the boat overturned shortly after departing and nearby vessels rushed to rescue those in the water.

Vietnamese authorities immediately launched rescue operations involving the coast guard, border guards and other emergency agencies despite rough sea conditions.

Officials said adverse weather, rough seas and possible mechanical failure are among the factors being examined, although the exact cause will be determined only after the investigation is completed.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung ordered a probe into the incident and directed authorities to review maritime safety measures and fix accountability if negligence is established.

The Indian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City set up emergency control rooms to assist affected families, while the Indian Embassy said it is working closely with Vietnamese authorities.Lava International expressed condolences and stated that its teams in both India and Vietnam are supporting the victims' families.

The chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana also directed officials to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy to provide all necessary assistance.