Latest Updates on the Phu Quoc Canoe Capsize Tragedy

Investigation records and official maritime registration files confirm that the ill-fated vessel was a passenger boat registered under number AG-26751. Minh Huy PQ Tourism Co., Ltd. owned the boat. Its registered address is 99 Tran Hung Dao Street, Quarter 7, Phu Quoc Special Zone, An Giang Province. The inland waterway registration certificate identifies the boat as a high-speed passenger canoe. Builders in Ho Chi Minh City constructed the boat in 2025 using an FRP (composite) hull. The boat held an “SB-Zone” classification. This allowed the vessel to navigate coastal areas and routes from the shore to islands within permitted limits.

Technical specifications show that the vessel reached 11.35 meters in length and 2.65 meters in width, with a draft of 0.55 meters. Two Yamaha engines, each producing 250 CV, powered the boat for a total capacity of 500 CV. Officials towed the AG-26751 canoe to the Hon May Rut Ngoai area after the accident to aid the ongoing investigation.

Authorities now keep the AG-26751 canoe at the Hon May Rut Ngoai area to facilitate the investigation.

Registration records and information from functional authorities show that the vessel met all operational requirements. It had a total displacement of 2.89 tons. The permit allowed the boat to carry 34 passengers, excluding the captain and members of the crew.

Previously, Mr. Diep Nguyen Quoc—Director of Minh Huy PQ Tourism Co., Ltd.—spoke about the incident. He stated: “The canoe involved in the accident was 100% newly built and had only been in use for a few months. It had full registration. The operator held a full license and possessed many years of driving experience. The boat and the tourists both had insurance coverage. The company is currently contacting the insurance provider to process the claim.”

Although rescuers salvaged the boat, the company cannot access it yet. They must preserve the scene to facilitate the investigation.

Regarding the accident, the Investigation Police Agency of An Giang Province has launched a criminal case. They have detained Nguyen Hong Hai (born in 1969, residing in Son Kien commune, An Giang province; temporarily residing in Phu Quoc Special Zone). He served as the captain of the ill-fated canoe. Investigators are currently examining his violation of legal regulations regarding the capsize that caused the deaths of 15 Indian nationals.

At approximately 1:00 PM on July 11, the Ocean Pearl Island canoe (owned by Minh Huy PQ Tourism Co., Ltd.) capsized. It was transporting 32 Indian tourists, 3 crew members, and one Vietnamese tour guide from Hon May Rut Ngoai back to An Thoi International Port. The accident resulted in 15 deaths.