Mortal Remains of 15 Indian Tourists Killed in Vietnam Boat Tragedy Being Flown Home
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam has confirmed that the mortal remains of 15 Indian nationals who died in a speedboat capsizing near Phu Quoc Island are being transported to Ho Chi Minh City. From there, they will be flown back to India at the earliest possible time after completion of official formalities. The embassy is coordinating closely with Vietnamese authorities, who have assured full assistance for the repatriation.
The accident occurred on Saturday at around 2:30 pm local time when a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members capsized less than 500 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai island, near the popular tourist destination of Phu Quoc. According to the Indian embassy, 15 Indian tourists lost their lives, 17 others were injured, and four of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
The victims include three people from Andhra Pradesh, ten from Tamil Nadu, and two from Kerala. Several of the injured are from Telangana and are receiving treatment at hospitals near the accident site. The group on board comprised mobile phone dealers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana associated with Lava International, who were on a company-sponsored trip to Phu Quoc. They were returning to An Thoi Port from Hon May Rut Island when the vessel overturned around 400 metres from shore.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with nearby vessels, border guards, the coast guard, and other emergency agencies joining the effort despite rough seas and strong waves. Vietnamese authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, with adverse weather, rough sea conditions, and possible mechanical failure among the factors being examined. Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered an investigation and directed authorities to hold those responsible accountable. He also instructed officials to review waterway and maritime safety measures in the area.
Lava International confirmed that those on board were members of its dealer network and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. The company said its teams in both India and Vietnam are in regular contact with the families and are providing all possible assistance. The chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have directed officials to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian embassy in Vietnam to ensure support for the affected families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences following the tragedy.
