Hyderabad Returnees Recount Failed CPR Attempts in Vietnam Boat Tragedy
Hyderabad, July 13: Survivors of the boat tragedy off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island returned to Hyderabad late Sunday night, recounting their desperate but unsuccessful attempts to revive victims with CPR. The incident, which occurred on July 11, claimed several lives and left two tourists critically injured.
Mahipal Sanghvi, a resident of Vijayawada, was among the group of around 80 tourists who had left for Vietnam on July 8. He described the harrowing moments after the accident: “We reached Phu Quoc Island on July 11. Some members of our group were taking part in water activities while I remained on the island. After some time, we were informed that a boat was involved in an accident. Rescue teams brought those who had fallen into the water back to the shore. We tried administering CPR to them, but it was too late, and they were declared dead.”
Families had gathered at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) more than an hour before the flight's arrival, anxiously awaiting their loved ones. Many survivors, including Ganesh from Hyderabad, noted that a large number of tourists from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were part of the tour. “There were around 20 to 30 people from Hyderabad in the overall tour group,” Ganesh said, adding that the support from the Andhra Pradesh government had been reassuring.
Srinivas, a resident of West Godavari district, said he narrowly escaped the tragedy. He was part of a separate group of 24 tourists waiting for their boat when the accident occurred. “We could see the strong flow of water, which was dangerous,” he recalled. According to him, about three passengers from Andhra Pradesh and eight from Telangana were among those who returned on the same flight.
Another passenger, Rameshwar Pradhan, provided further details. He said the tour comprised 105 people, and they were scheduled to visit an island near Phu Quoc. The group was divided into three boats. “The first boat had travelled about one kilometre when it lost control in rough waters and overturned,” he said. The boat was carrying 34 people. “A few people were rescued safely, while the remaining passengers fell into the water. Two people are in critical condition and are undergoing treatment at a hospital on the island,” Mr. Pradhan added.
Rescue efforts began promptly after the accident. “The Vietnamese naval team responded quickly, and the Indian Embassy also extended immediate assistance. The injured were admitted to the hospital and are undergoing treatment. We are awaiting further updates,” Mr. Pradhan said. He confirmed that 17 members of the tour group had returned on Sunday night's flight, while efforts continued to assist those still in Vietnam.
The Andhra Pradesh government had coordinated with authorities to ensure the safe return of the survivors. The incident highlights the risks associated with water activities in unpredictable sea conditions.
