Vietnam Protects Phu Quoc Tourism Growth With Stronger Boat Safety Regulations After Tragic Tourist Accident Claims Foreign Visitors Lives

Written By: Arbind Mandal

Arbind Mandal

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July 15, 2026 11:24 GMT+5:30

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Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island has introduced stricter maritime safety controls after a tragic boat accident killed 15 Indian tourists, prompting authorities to launch a comprehensive review of passenger transport operations across the island. The safety measures focus on improving vessel inspections, strengthening port supervision and ensuring tourism operators follow strict inland waterway regulations.

Located off the coast of An Giang Province in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region, Phu Quoc is the country’s largest island and one of its fastest-growing tourism destinations. With millions of domestic and international visitors arriving each year, authorities are now increasing oversight of marine transport services to protect travellers and maintain confidence in the destination.

The new measures follow an official directive issued by Vietnam’s Prime Minister on July 11 after a tourist speedboat capsized near Phu Quoc. The incident occurred while the vessel was travelling from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island towards An Thoi Port.

The boat was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, three crew members and a tour guide, when it overturned approximately 400 metres from the island’s coastline. The accident resulted in the deaths of 15 foreign visitors and triggered immediate action from local authorities.

Following the incident, Phu Quoc Special Zone authorities announced stronger safety enforcement across passenger transport operations. Officials are requiring ports, terminals, vessel owners and tourism operators to improve compliance with technical and operational standards.

Ngo Minh Tri, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of the Phu Quoc Special Zone, confirmed that local agencies are implementing enhanced safety procedures following the Prime Minister’s directive. The measures are designed to prevent similar accidents and create safer conditions for visitors travelling by sea.

Stricter Vessel Inspections and Port Safety Requirements

Under the updated regulations, inland ports and passenger terminals must conduct regular inspections, maintenance work and repairs to ensure facilities remain safe and operational. Operators must also cooperate with competent authorities and the Inland Waterway Port Authority to verify that vessels using their facilities meet all required safety standards.

Authorities have ordered all passenger transport operators and vessel owners to ensure boats are fully registered, properly inspected and compliant with technical safety and environmental regulations before entering service.

Vessels operating around Phu Quoc will face stricter checks on passenger capacity, equipment standards and operational conditions. Boats will not be allowed to carry more passengers than their licensed capacity or exceed permitted cargo limits.

Operators are also prohibited from exceeding safe draft levels or load-line restrictions. Every vessel must carry sufficient life jackets, emergency equipment and lifesaving systems before departure.

Crew qualifications have also become a major focus of the new safety campaign. Transport companies must ensure that all crew members hold valid professional certificates and possess the necessary skills to operate passenger vessels safely.

Authorities have further instructed operators to suspend departures whenever extreme weather conditions, dangerous sea conditions or other safety risks threaten passengers.

Stronger Monitoring Across Tourist Ports and Marine Routes

Phu Quoc authorities are expanding inspections at passenger ports, ferry terminals, tourism boat docks, community wharves and other locations involved in marine transport.

The Phu Quoc Traffic Police Station has been instructed to increase patrols across waterways and port areas. Officers will immediately suspend vessels that fail to meet technical requirements or violate safety regulations.

Local police forces will also strengthen monitoring around ports, terminals and anchorage areas to maintain public order and prevent illegal activities connected with passenger transport operations.

The Duong Dong and An Thoi Port Border Guard stations are increasing controls over vessels and passengers operating within their assigned maritime zones.

Border authorities will inspect vessel documents, verify compliance with safety regulations and check travel documents of foreign tourists participating in marine excursions. They will also remain prepared to deploy rescue teams and emergency equipment whenever required.

The Inland Waterway Port Authority will intensify inspections and awareness programmes focusing on navigation safety, fire prevention, firefighting requirements and passenger transport regulations.

Authorities have confirmed that unlicensed ports, unauthorised terminals and unsafe vessels will face suspension. Enforcement actions will target serious violations, including operating uncertified vessels, failing to provide adequate lifesaving equipment, carrying excessive passengers, overloading boats and allowing unqualified crew members to operate.

Safety Measures Introduced During Rapid Tourism Growth

The increased maritime monitoring comes as Phu Quoc experiences significant tourism expansion. According to An Giang Province’s Department of Tourism, the island welcomed 5.7 million visitors during the first six months of the year, representing a 30% increase compared with the same period last year.

International arrivals have also grown strongly, with Phu Quoc recording 1.32 million foreign visitors during the same period, marking a 50% year-on-year increase.

The island has become an important destination for international travellers seeking beaches, island experiences, luxury resorts and marine activities. However, the rapid growth of tourism has increased the importance of maintaining strict safety standards across all transport services.

Vietnam’s latest measures highlight the need for stronger coordination between tourism operators, transport authorities, police forces and maritime agencies. By improving inspections, enforcing safety requirements and strengthening emergency preparedness, authorities aim to ensure Phu Quoc continues to develop as a safe and reliable destination for global travellers.

The new regulations represent a major shift towards tighter tourism transport management, placing passenger protection and maritime safety at the centre of Phu Quoc’s future tourism growth.

Conclusion: Phu Quoc Moves Towards Safer and More Responsible Tourism Growth

The tragic boat accident has highlighted the urgent need for stronger maritime safety management as Phu Quoc continues to attract increasing numbers of international visitors. By introducing stricter vessel inspections, improving port supervision and enforcing tougher operational standards, Vietnamese authorities are working to reduce risks across the island’s tourism transport network.

As Phu Quoc expands its reputation as a leading island destination in Southeast Asia, maintaining traveller confidence will depend on consistent safety enforcement, responsible tourism practices and effective emergency preparedness. The latest measures demonstrate Vietnam’s commitment to protecting visitors while supporting sustainable tourism growth. With stronger oversight now being implemented, Phu Quoc aims to ensure that future travellers can experience its natural beauty and marine attractions with greater security and peace of mind.