On August 14, at the regular press briefing in August 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Quang Quoc Huy - Deputy Chief of Staff of An Giang Provincial Police informed about the progress of the investigation into the tourist canoe capsizing incident that occurred in Phu Quoc in July 2026, killing 15 Indian tourists.
According to An Giang Provincial Police, at about 1:00 PM on July 11, 2026, a canoe with registration number AG-26715 of Minh Huy Phu Quoc Tourism Co., Ltd., driven by captain Nguyen Hong Hai, capsized in the Hon May Rut Ngoai sea area. The accident killed 15 Indian tourists.
Based on documents and evidence collected, on July 12, the Investigation Police Agency of An Giang Provincial Police initiated a criminal case for the act of "Violating regulations on controlling waterway vehicles", as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 272 of the Penal Code. The investigating agency also prosecuted the defendant and temporarily detained Nguyen Hong Hai for investigation.
Through initial investigation, the police agency determined that the accident occurred in bad weather conditions, strong winds, and big waves. In addition, the captain was determined to be subjective in the process of controlling the vehicle.
An Giang Provincial Police are continuing to consolidate documents and evidence, clarifying violations as well as the responsibilities of related individuals and organizations for handling according to legal regulations.
After the accident, An Giang Provincial Police also advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue Plan No. 397/KH-UBND, and at the same time, the Provincial Police issued Plan No. 691/KH-CAT on general review of procedures and state management related to waterway transport and tourism activities in the area.
The general review was carried out from July 24 to September 24. An Giang Provincial Police said they will strictly handle violations if violations are detected. Regarding the implementation of the general review plan, Colonel Huynh Thanh Lam, Deputy Director of An Giang Provincial Police, said that the goal of the general review is not only to tighten management but more importantly to improve management mechanisms and procedures in the direction of clear people, clear tasks, clear responsibilities, improve coordination efficiency, create a safe, civilized, and healthy waterway and tourism transport environment. Thereby, contributing to ensuring security, order, and waterway traffic safety, effectively serving the requirements of socio-economic development, especially tourism development of An Giang province in the new situation.
After completing the general review, the Provincial Police will officially inform the press agencies.
