Phu Quoc Speedboat Capsizes, 15 Killed; Island Tours Suspended
A speedboat carrying tourists capsized near Phu Quoc on 12 July 2026, killing at least 15 people and leaving several others missing. Vietnamese authorities have detained the captain and launched a criminal investigation into the cause of the sinking.
What Happened
The vessel went down in waters between Phu Quoc and a nearby island cluster during what is typically the roughest part of Vietnam’s southwest monsoon season. Rescue teams recovered survivors and retrieved victims over a 24-hour search operation. The boat was reportedly carrying more passengers than its rated capacity, according to early statements from the Kien Giang provincial maritime authority.
Tour Suspensions and Safety Review
Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport has ordered an immediate suspension of island-hopping speedboat operations originating from Phu Quoc while maritime safety inspectors review vessel certifications, passenger manifests, and operator licences across the island’s charter fleet. The review covers all boats licensed to carry tourists to the An Thoi archipelago, one of the most popular day-trip circuits in the country.
The suspension is indefinite pending the outcome of the investigation. Some ferry services between Phu Quoc and the mainland port of Rach Gia are operating normally; the ban applies specifically to tourist speedboats running island circuits.
What Travellers Should Do
If you have a Phu Quoc island-hopping tour booked through a local operator, contact them directly to confirm whether their specific service is affected. Reputable operators will issue refunds or reschedule once the suspension is lifted.
We recommend checking with your accommodation and with Vietnam’s maritime authority hotline before booking any water-based excursion. The Phu Quoc day trips page has information on alternative land-based activities across the island that remain fully operational.
Visitors already on Phu Quoc can still enjoy beaches, the northern forests, and the cable car to Hon Thom - none of which are affected by the maritime suspension.
Broader Safety Context
Speedboat accidents in Vietnamese waters are not uncommon during the June–September monsoon window, when swells in the Gulf of Thailand can rise quickly. The Transport Ministry has previously warned that overcrowding on tourist vessels remains an enforcement challenge. This incident is likely to accelerate planned reforms to boat licensing that have been under discussion since 2025.
We will update this article as the situation develops.