Twenty‑one people were rescued, but fifteen Indian tourists died.

Police say Phan Vo Kieu Truc Linh, 33, an employee of Minh Huy PQ Travel Co., assigned Nguyen Hong Hai, 57, to pilot the boat even though he did not have the required qualifications.

Investigators note that assigning a person without the proper licence is illegal under waterway rules.

On Sept. 15, An Giang Province police opened criminal proceedings against Linh and barred her from leaving her residence.

Nguyen Hong Hai was taken into custody the day after the accident and is accused of violating waterway vessel regulations.

The tragedy shows that ignoring safety qualifications can cause deadly accidents and lead to criminal charges.