A flight carrying the mortal remains of 15 Indian nationals who lost their lives in last week’s boat tragedy in Vietnam arrived at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Monday night.
According to sources, Vietnam Airlines flight VN 979 from Ho Chi Minh City landed at 9.19 pm, PTI news agency reported.
Among the deceased, 10 were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala. Two of the victims were women.
The bodies will now be transported to Coimbatore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram for their final rites, sources said.
The tragedy occurred on Friday when a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai, off Phu Quoc Island.
Fifteen Indian tourists were killed in the accident, while 16 others were rescued and have since returned to India after receiving medical treatment. One survivor remains in critical condition at a hospital in Phu Quoc.
The tourists were reportedly returning from an island excursion when the speedboat overturned around 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai Island.
Indian Embassy Thanks Vietnamese Authorities
The Indian Embassy on Sunday thanked the Vietnamese authorities for facilitating the repatriation process and said embassy and consulate officials were working closely with local authorities to complete all formalities at the earliest.
“We are thankful to the Vietnamese authorities for facilitating the ongoing necessary procedures… In this hour of grief, we appreciate the efforts of our traditional trusted friend,” the embassy said.
Earlier, the embassy had confirmed that the mortal remains had reached Ho Chi Minh City after being transported from Phu Quoc. It also said it was praying for the speedy recovery of the lone survivor who remains hospitalised at Phu Quoc Hospital.
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Boat Capsized Off Phu Quoc Island
The accident occurred when the tourist speedboat AG 26751, carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members, capsized about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai island while travelling from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port.
According to Vietnamese media reports, a 57-year-old local man has been detained in connection with alleged legal violations linked to the incident.
Meanwhile, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has intervened to facilitate the early repatriation of the victims, while district administrations have shared details of designated recipients to ensure the bodies reach their families.
