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According to a report from the An Giang Provincial Department of Tourism, the speedboat named Ocean Pearl Island, license plate AG-26751, belonging to Minh Huy PQ Tourism Co., Ltd., carrying 32 tourists, 3 crew members, and a tour guide, departed from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island for An Thoi port at approximately 1 PM.
Just about 400 meters after leaving the dock, the vessel unexpectedly encountered a problem and capsized. Rescue forces managed to save all 36 people on board, of whom 21 survived, while 15, including 13 men and 2 women, did not survive. On the morning of July 12, the Criminal Investigation Agency of the An Giang Provincial Police Department initiated a criminal case and detained Captain Nguyen Hong Hai for investigation to clarify the cause.
The Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone authorities also directed a review and resolute suspension of operations for ports, wharves, and vessels that are not registered, inspected, or lack safety equipment.
Choosing the right mode of transport is the most important safety step when traveling by speedboat.
Before discussing situational handling skills, maritime safety experts emphasize that the most crucial factor lies in the choice of transportation. Travelers need to change their habit of focusing solely on price or eye-catching advertising images on social media.
Instead, prioritize choosing boats and canoes from reputable companies that have been licensed by the authorities and have valid registration certificates. Visual inspection is also crucial: say "no" to vehicles showing signs of deterioration, rust, or carrying more passengers than permitted, as these are early warning signs of safety risks.
Tourists have every right to request information about permits and permitted load limits from travel agencies before deciding to book a tour.
Tourists should pay special attention to checking safety conditions, life jackets, and operating permits before participating in speedboat tours to the island.
Life vests: wearing them at the right time and in the right way is what makes them truly effective.
A paradox that many travelers are unaware of is that life jackets don't always need to be worn continuously on every type of journey, but on speedboats or boats without enclosed compartments, wearing a life jacket at all times is mandatory.
According to recommendations from rescue forces, the general principle is to put on life jackets immediately in open spaces, while in ships with enclosed cabins, passengers should keep life jackets within easy reach near their seats so they can use them immediately in case of an emergency, because wearing a life jacket in an enclosed space can sometimes make it difficult for the wearer to escape if a capsizing or sinking occurs.
Once put on, ensure all buckles are properly fastened, straps are tightened, and a snug fit is checked, as life vests are only effective in saving lives when used correctly. A recent tourist boat capsizing incident in Ha Long Bay showed that up to 80% of the victims found were wearing life vests, demonstrating that life vests remain essential protective equipment, though not the absolute deciding factor.
Tourists need to remain calm in any situation.
Observe and remember the safe location as soon as you board the ship.
As soon as you board a speedboat or cruise ship, you should take a few minutes to observe the location of spare life jackets, lifebuoys, emergency exits, and listen to safety instructions from the crew, instead of rushing to find a good spot to take photos.
These seemingly small habits can make a big difference if an accident occurs. Tourists should also avoid standing too close to the side of the boat, climbing on the railings, or gathering in large groups to admire the view, as this can easily cause smaller vessels like speedboats to lose balance. For families with young children, adults should always supervise them and prevent them from running and jumping freely on the deck.
Check the weather forecast before each trip out to sea.
One often overlooked safety factor when traveling by speedboat is weather conditions. Before departure, travelers should proactively check the weather forecast for the day, especially during the rainy season when sea conditions can change suddenly. If there are warnings of thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical depressions, or rough seas, it's best to adjust your itinerary accordingly rather than rushing the boat owner to depart just because you don't want to miss your booked trip.
For those with a history of seasickness, it is advisable to take anti-seasickness medication 30 to 60 minutes before departure to avoid exhaustion when needing to handle an emergency situation.
Checking life vests and memorizing the location of emergency exits upon boarding are crucial survival skills that travelers should not overlook.
When an incident occurs, staying calm is crucial.
In situations involving boat collisions, grounding, or the risk of sinking, rescue experts emphasize that the most important thing is not to panic. Passengers should wear life jackets securely, follow the instructions of the captain or rescue personnel, absolutely avoid crowding, and prioritize giving escape routes to children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
If you must go into the water, hold onto a life jacket or the nearest floating object, avoid swimming unless absolutely necessary to conserve energy, and signal for help by waving your hands or calling for attention when rescue forces approach. A practical but useful tip is to keep your phone in a waterproof bag and have the phone numbers of rescue services, border guards, or your tour operator saved so you can contact them immediately in the first few minutes after an incident.
The incident in Phu Quoc once again demonstrates that, despite relatively comprehensive regulations on vehicle registration and life-saving equipment in Vietnam, risks at sea always exist and cannot be taken lightly. With summer being the peak season for speedboat tours to islands and bays, each tourist can proactively minimize risks by choosing a reputable transportation company, adhering to safety guidelines, and equipping themselves with the basic skills mentioned above before each trip.
