The embassy had also said that the ‘exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing.’
NEW DELHI: The mortal remains of the 15 Indian nationals who died after a speedboat capsized near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island are being transported to Ho Chi Minh City and will be flown back to India at the earliest after official formalities are completed, the Embassy of India in Vietnam said on Sunday. The mission said it is working closely with Vietnamese authorities, who have assured full assistance to expedite the repatriation process.In a post on X, the Embassy of India in Vietnam said, “The mortal remains of the 15 Indian nationals who tragically passed away in yesterday’s boat accident are being transported to Ho Chi Minh City and will reach there by this evening. After completion of formalities at Ho Chi Minh the mortal remains would be transported to India at the earliest. The Embassy and the Consulate teams are closely coordinating with the Vietnamese authorities who have assured all assistance for earliest transportation of the mortal remains to India.” The latest update comes a day after 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, at around 2.30 pm local time on Saturday. At least 15 Indian tourists were killed and 17 others were injured, with four reported to be in critical condition.According to the Indian embassy, the victims included three people from Andhra Pradesh, 10 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.The Indian Embassy had earlier confirmed the accident and announced that emergency control rooms had been established in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to assist affected families and provide information. In an earlier statement, the mission said, “In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam a few hours ago.”The embassy had also said that the “exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing.”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 into the tragedy and directed authorities to hold those responsible accountable. He also instructed officials to review waterway and maritime safety measures in the area.Lava International said 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.Meanwhile, 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.
