New Delhi: The bodies of 15 Indian tourists who lost their lives in the Vietnam boat tragedy have been repatriated to India, arriving in Mumbai on Tuesday aboard Vietnam Airlines flight VN979. The victims will now be transported to their respective hometowns, with state governments coordinating arrangements for their final rites.
After landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the bodies were prepared for onward transportation to destinations including Chennai, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, and Coimbatore, where grieving families are waiting to receive their loved ones.
The tragic accident occurred on July 11 near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island. A tourist speedboat carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members, capsized after encountering rough weather while travelling from Hon May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port, about 25 kilometres from Phu Quoc Airport.
Nearby tourist boats rushed to the scene soon after the vessel overturned, while rescue teams launched an emergency operation to bring passengers ashore. Of the 36 people on board, 21 survived, while 15 Indian tourists lost their lives.
Among the deceased were 10 tourists from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala.
Following the accident, Indian diplomatic officials worked closely with Vietnamese authorities to complete the identification of the victims, documentation, and all necessary consular formalities to facilitate the return of the bodies. Assistance was also extended to the survivors and the families of those affected by the tragedy.
Authorities have also provided an update on the lone critically injured Indian survivor. After undergoing a successful medical procedure in Phu Quoc, the patient has been shifted to a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for specialised treatment and continued medical care.
The tragedy has prompted coordinated efforts by both Indian and Vietnamese authorities to support the victims’ families, ensure the safe return of the deceased, and provide medical assistance to those injured in one of the deadliest accidents involving Indian tourists abroad in recent years.
