The remains of 15 Indian nationals who died after a speedboat tourist boat capsized off the coast of the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc have arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, the Indian Embassy in Vietnam said on Sunday.
In a post on X, the embassy informed that the remains of the deceased will be transferred to India after completing the necessary official procedures.
The embassy added that it, along with the consular teams and Vietnamese authorities, remains committed to facilitating the early repatriation process.
“The remains of 15 Indian nationals who tragically died in yesterday’s boat accident have arrived in Ho Chi Minh City. After completing the formalities in Ho Chi Minh, the remains will be transferred to India as soon as possible. The embassy and consulate teams are coordinating closely with the Vietnamese authorities who are committed to providing all assistance to transport the remains to India as soon as possible,” the statement read.
The embassy also expressed its hope for the speedy recovery of one of the survivors undergoing treatment at Phu Quoc Hospital.
“We continue to pray for the early recovery of the sole survivor in Phu Quoc Hospital,” he added.
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Moreover, the embassy said that 15 survivors of yesterday’s tragic boat accident have been discharged from hospital and are returning to India. “Of the two patients in intensive care, one has been discharged and returned to India. The other is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Phu Quoc. We continue to pray for his early recovery,” the Indian Embassy in Vietnam said.
The speedy tourist boat AG 26751, operated by Ocean Pearl Island (Minh Huy Phu Quoc Trading and Tourism Co. Ltd.), was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port, according to Vietnamese news outlet VN Express International. It capsized about 400 meters off Hon May Rut Ngoai.
Furthermore, the outlet cited the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) to report the arrest of a 57-year-old local man for alleged legal violations linked to the capsizing of the tourist boat.
Meanwhile, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu intervened to facilitate the early repatriation of mortal remains. The district collectors have submitted details of the designated recipients.
According to Andhra Pradesh Bhavan Special Commissioner Arja Srikanth, a detailed request has been submitted through the e-welfare portal to transfer Nalapita Adiseshaya Ravi Teja to Bengaluru, Gili Jaya Lakshmi to Vijayawada, and Modium Sridhar to Chennai.
The Embassy of India has finalized the travel plan and flight schedules will be announced later today.
In addition, it was reported that survivor Gilly Kishore developed serious complications while being transferred from Phu Quoc Government Hospital, which required his transfer to be postponed. He added that Kishore remains unconscious in the ICU due to advanced life support.
“MRI scans revealed a small blood clot in the brain, followed by a mild heart attack. He underwent emergency cardiac surgery and, subject to stabilization, will be airlifted to Ho Chi Minh City for advanced medical care.” Srikanth stated.
Andhra Pradesh Minister Kullu Ravindra spoke to Santosh, Kishore’s cousin, who is in the hospital.
The Indian ambassador to Vietnam remains in constant contact with the treating doctors, and the Vietnamese minister also visited the hospital to check on the patient’s condition.
“Despite language restrictions, close coordination between the embassy, Vietnamese authorities, medical teams and family ensures continuous support. We pray for Mr. Kishore’s speedy recovery,” Srikanth said.
