In an official dispatch, the prime minister extended condolences to the victims' families. He urged ministries, sectors, and localities to mobilize all medical resources and supplies to treat the injured and minimize human and property losses.

The prime minister's directives followed a canoe capsize incident involving 32 Indian tourists, four crew members, and guides near Hon May Rut Ngoai, Phu Quoc special zone. The accident resulted in 15 Indian tourists (13 male, two female) losing their lives, while 21 people were rescued.

The prime minister instructed the Ministry of Public Security to promptly investigate, clarify the accident's cause, and strictly deal with any organizations or individuals found in violation of legal regulations.

Ambulances were stationed at An Thoi port to transport victims to medical facilities for emergency treatment. *Photo: An Binh*

The Ministry of Construction was tasked with reviewing and inspecting inland waterway and maritime traffic safety in the accident area and other regions with similar conditions.

The prime minister also tasked An Giang province with coordinating with relevant agencies and functional forces to assess the cause and address any existing shortcomings.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to coordinate closely with the Indian Embassy in Vietnam to carry out consular work, citizen protection, and address issues related to the victims.

That same afternoon, the Indian Embassy released a list of 32 citizens aboard the canoe, comprising 30 males and two females. The embassy also established two contact points in TP HCM and Hanoi to assist its citizens.

Ngoc Tai - Thanh Danh