A number of tour companies in Phu Quoc have decided to temporarily suspend speedboat tour operations from An Thoi International Port. This mitigation measure was taken in response to a heartbreaking maritime tragedy on July 11, 2026, which claimed the lives of 15 foreign tourists from India.
Several prominent tour providers, such as Rooty Trip Phu Quoc and Tam Dang Khoa, have announced the suspension of tour activities to prioritize passenger safety. Rooty Trip stated that canoe and speedboat tour operations have been suspended since July 12, 2026, until further notice, pending investigation and official guidance from local maritime authorities. Meanwhile, Tam Dang Khoa has canceled more than 20 scheduled tours and offered full refund options to affected customers.
The tragic event unfolded when speedboat hull number AG 26751 carrying 35 people—comprising 32 tourists and 3 crew members—encountered technical difficulties and capsized en route from Hon May Rut Ngoai to An Thoi Port. An Giang Province police have detained the boat's captain, Nguyen Hong Hai, for further legal proceedings.
Responding to the incident, local authorities through the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone Administration tightened supervision of water transport modes. It is known that out of a total of 100 tour boats operating in the area, currently only about 70 units meet category SB safety standards. The remainder, deemed non-compliant, have been banned from operating to ensure a safe and sustainable tourism environment in the future.
