The Indian Embassy in Hanoi on Sunday began the repatriation of the mortal remains of the 15 Indian tourists who lost their lives after a speedboat capsized off Vietnam's Phu Quoc island, as officials continued to assist survivors and bereaved families.
According to the embassy, the bodies were being transported to Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday before being flown to India at the earliest after completing the necessary formalities. Embassy and Consulate officials are coordinating closely with Vietnamese authorities to expedite the process.
The accident occurred on Saturday when a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members capsized less than 500 metres from Hon May Rut Ngoai island while returning from an island-hopping excursion. Vietnamese authorities, local fishermen and rescue teams launched an immediate search-and-rescue operation following the mishap.
The embassy said 15 Indian nationals were killed in the accident. Of them, 10 were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala. The victims included two women.
Also read: 15 Indian tourists killed as boat capsizes off Vietnam coast
In a positive development, 16 of the 17 surviving Indian tourists have been discharged from hospital after receiving medical treatment and have already begun their journey back to India. One of the two passengers who had been admitted to critical care was also discharged on Sunday, while the other continues to receive treatment at a hospital in Phu Quoc.
"The Embassy and the Consulate teams are closely coordinating with the Vietnamese authorities, who have assured all assistance for the earliest transportation of the mortal remains to India," the Indian Embassy said in a post on X.
State governments have also stepped in to support the affected families. The governments of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala have issued helpline numbers and are coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate the return of the victims and assist their relatives.
Embassy and consulate officials remain stationed in Phu Quoc to provide logistical support to survivors and help complete documentation related to the victims.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island, is one of Southeast Asia's most popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors with its white-sand beaches, coral reefs and island-hopping excursions. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the island's thriving tourism industry while prompting an outpouring of condolences for the victims and their families.
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