Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has issued an urgent official dispatch ordering prompt response measures following an especially serious waterway traffic accident in Phu Quoc special zone of the Mekong Delta province of An Giang on July 11 afternoon.
The official dispatch was sent to the Ministers of National Defence, Public Security, Foreign Affairs, and Construction, and the Chairman of the An Giang provincial People's Committee.
According to the document, at around 13:00 on July 11, an especially serious waterway traffic accident occurred about 200 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai Island. Passenger canoe AG-26751, carrying 32 Indian tourists and three crew members, capsized while travelling from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island to An Thoi Port, claiming 15 lives as of 15:00 the same day.
Immediately after receiving information about the accident, the PM extended his deepest sympathies to the victims and heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He also directed the Ministries of Public Security and Construction, leaders of An Giang province, and police, medical, coast guard and border guard forces to rush to the scene and focus on rescue efforts and handling the consequences of the accident.
To promptly deal with the aftermath and prevent similar accidents, the PM requested the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee to direct relevant agencies and units to mobilise all necessary medical personnel, medicines and equipment to treat the injured, minimising casualties and property losses suffered by local residents and tourists. The local authority has been requested to organise visits and provide support to the families of those killed in the accident.
The provincial leader was also asked to directly chair working sessions with relevant agencies and competent forces to implement measures to address any shortcomings or deficiencies, and urgently clarify both the direct and indirect causes of the incident as a basis for communication and implementing preventive measures in the future.
The Ministry of Public Security was assigned to direct the provincial police and relevant units to promptly investigate the accident, determine its causes, and strictly handle any organisations or individuals found to have violated regulations and caused the accident in accordance with the law.
The Ministry of Construction was tasked with guiding relevant agencies to urgently review and inspect waterway and maritime traffic safety conditions in the accident area and other locations with similar conditions; strengthening supervision of passenger water transport operation; inspecting compliance with regulations on vessel safety standards, lifesaving and rescue equipment, operator qualifications, and passenger management procedures, and promptly addressing safety risks and shortcomings to prevent similar accidents.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was requested to closely coordinate with the Embassy of India in Vietnam and relevant agencies to promptly carry out consular work, provide citizen protection, and handle issues relating to the Indian nationals involved in the accident./.
Search and rescue underway after tourist speedboat capsizes off Phu Quoc
According to the local authorities, the canoe operated by Ocean Pearl Island Company was transporting 32 Indian tourists and three crew members, including one captain, one mechanic, and one staff member, capsized while en route from May Rut Ngoai Island to An Thoi Port amid strong wave and wind condition. As a result, by 15:00 on July 11, the accident had claimed 15 lives.
