Some of the Indian tourists killed after a speedboat capsized in South Vietnam were employees associated with Lava Mobiles, the company said in a statement on Saturday.
State media quoted authorities as saying that a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members capsized about 400 meters (1,310 feet) off Hon My Rout Ngoi island near Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island. 15 Indian tourists were killed in the accident, including 10 residents of Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala.
In a post on X after the tragedy, Lava Mobiles said it was “deeply saddened to learn of the tragic boat accident,” saying it involved some channel partners and team members. The company said it is in contact with the Indian Embassy in Vietnam and local authorities to collect information about the safety and well-being of its employees and partners.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that the tourists were employees of the private mobile phone company participating in an annual meeting. He wrote on social media that Indian embassy staff were at the scene.
“Teams in India and Vietnam are in contact with families”
Lava Mobiles said its teams in both India and Vietnam were in constant contact with the families of those on board the speedboat.
The company said: “Our immediate priority is to provide all possible support to those affected and their families. Our teams in both India and Vietnam are in regular contact with the families and are providing all possible assistance.” She added that she is awaiting further details and updates from the authorities, and will continue to provide timely information as it becomes available.
The company also shared the helpline numbers of the control room set up by the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City.
She added: “Families looking for information or assistance can contact the control room on +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 37 14, or +84 33 452 0414.” The authorities said that 21 people among the tourists were rescued, and all the dead were recovered and the injured were transferred to hospitals for treatment. Footage shown on Vietnamese television during the rescue efforts showed rough waves and strong winds.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and said he was praying for the speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment. The Prime Minister said that he was “deeply saddened” by the incident and said that the Indian Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam were providing all possible assistance.
