Mortal Remains Of 15 Indians Arrive In Mumbai

A tragic incident occurred on July 11 when a speedboat carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members, capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island. The boat was travelling from Hon May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port when it encountered rough weather and overturned, throwing all passengers into the sea.

The mortal remains of the 15 Indian tourists who lost their lives in the tragic boat capsize arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday aboard Vietnam Airlines flight VN979. The bodies were handed over for onward transportation to their respective hometowns in coordination with the concerned state governments.

The victims will be taken to destinations including Chennai, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, and Coimbatore, where grieving family members are awaiting their arrival to perform the last rites. Among the deceased, 10 were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala.

The Indian mission in Vietnam expressed gratitude to the authorities of the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, An Giang Province, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other agencies for extending full support in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The Embassy of India had announced that the bodies of the deceased Indian nationals had departed from Ho Chi Minh City on Vietnam Airlines flight VN979. The Embassy said the respective state governments had already been informed and requested to coordinate the transportation of the victims from Mumbai to their final destinations.

The accident occurred when the vessel, operated by Ocean Pearl Island Company, was travelling from Hon May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port, about 25 kilometres from Phu Quoc Airport, when it overturned. Nearby tourist boats rushed to the scene within minutes, and rescue teams later evacuated everyone from the water. Of the 36 people on board, 21 survived while 15 Indian tourists lost their lives.

Following the incident, the Indian Embassy and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City worked closely with Vietnamese authorities to complete the identification process, documentation, and other consular formalities while extending assistance to survivors and the families of the victims.

The Embassy also confirmed that the lone critically injured Indian survivor has successfully undergone a medical procedure and has been shifted from Phu Quoc to a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for advanced treatment.

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, and the Indian government has been working closely with the Vietnamese authorities to provide assistance to the families of the victims. The arrival of the mortal remains in Mumbai marks a sombre moment for the families of the deceased, who will finally be able to perform the last rites for their loved ones.

The incident highlights the importance of safety measures in tourist activities, especially in foreign countries. The Indian government has been advising citizens to exercise caution while engaging in adventure activities abroad.

In conclusion, the mortal remains of the 15 Indian tourists who lost their lives in the Vietnam boat tragedy have arrived in Mumbai, bringing a sense of closure to the families of the deceased. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and precautions while travelling abroad, and the Indian government will continue to work closely with foreign authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens abroad.