MUMBAI — The mortal remains of the 15 Indian tourists who lost their lives in a tragic speedboat accident off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island were repatriated to India on Tuesday. A Vietnam Airlines flight transported the bodies from Ho Chi Minh City to Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai, officials from the respective state governments coordinated with the grieving families to facilitate the final transit to their native places. The Indian Embassy in Hanoi expressed its profound condolences via social media, extending prayers for strength to the bereaved families and thanking Vietnamese authorities alongside the southern state administrations for their swift coordination during the repatriation process.
The fatal accident occurred on Saturday afternoon when a tourist speedboat carrying 32 Indian passengers and four local crew members capsized approximately 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai. The victims, who were part of a corporate incentive trip organized by smartphone manufacturer Lava International for its regional dealers and distributors, were returning from an island excursion to An Thoi Port when a massive wave struck the vessel. Out of the 15 deceased, ten hailed from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala. While 16 of the rescued survivors have already returned to India, one passenger remains hospitalized in Vietnam under intensive care after suffering severe lung damage, multiple physical injuries, and internal bleeding.
In the wake of the disaster, Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung ordered a comprehensive maritime safety review and a rigorous investigation into the cause of the capsize. Initial findings point to a sudden shift in extreme weather conditions and rough sea swells, though local police have also detained the 57-year-old boat captain for questioning regarding potential violations of waterway safety protocols. Survivors noted that while safety equipment was present, the rapidity with which the enclosed boat overturned trapped several passengers inside, preventing timely evacuation.
