Bodies of 15 Indian Tourists Returned from Vietnam Boat Accident

A special flight operated by Vietnam Airlines, carrying the bodies of 15 Indian tourists who lost their lives in a boat accident in Vietnam, arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai on Monday night. The flight, designated VN 979, landed at approximately 9.19 pm following its journey from Ho Chi Minh City.

Family members and local officials were present at the airport as preparations began to transport the remains of the victims to their respective hometowns for final rites. Among those deceased, ten hailed from Tamil Nadu, three were from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala. Notably, two of the victims were women.

The tourists were part of a company-sponsored incentive trip conducted by smartphone manufacturer Lava Mobiles. They were travelling on a speedboat near Phu Quoc Island when the tragic incident occurred, resulting in the boat capsizing.

According to the Indian Embassy in Hanoi, the vessel was carrying a total of 32 Indian tourists along with four Vietnamese crew members. The accident took place about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai Island while the group was returning from an island-hopping stint.

Search and rescue operations led by Vietnamese authorities successfully saved 21 people from the water, and most of the survivors have since returned to India after receiving medical treatment in Vietnam. However, one individual remains in critical condition at a hospital in Phu Quoc, where medical teams are providing intensive care.

This tragic event has drawn significant attention, prompting expressions of sympathy from various quarters as communities mourn the loss of life in this unfortunate accident.