Repatriation of 15 Indian Nationals from Vietnam Accident
By ThePip Desk
Mortal remains of 15 Indian nationals, tragically deceased in a Vietnam boat accident on July 11, are being repatriated to India via a special flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Mumbai.
The mortal remains of 15 Indian nationals, who tragically lost their lives in a boat accident off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island on July 11, are scheduled for repatriation to India. This solemn process began on Monday, with a special flight arranged to transport the deceased back to their home country.
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam confirmed that Vietnam Airlines flight VN979 would facilitate the repatriation. The flight is set to depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 6 pm local time, aiming to arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 9:35 pm IST, where arrangements are in place for reception.
To ensure a smooth onward journey for the deceased, the embassy has proactively informed the respective State Governments in India. They have been requested to coordinate closely with the affected families, providing necessary support for the final leg of the journey to the ultimate destinations of the mortal remains.
Both the Indian Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City have extended their deepest condolences to the grieving families. They have also reiterated their commitment to offering all possible assistance during this difficult period, ensuring the families receive the support they need.
Prior to this repatriation effort, several survivors of the same accident, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, had already returned to India. They arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, marking an earlier phase of response to the incident.
The ill-fated speedboat accident occurred on a Saturday, involving a vessel that was carrying 36 individuals. It capsized near Phu Quoc Island, leading to the unfortunate deaths of at least 15 people, among whom were the Indian tourists now being repatriated. The Embassy of India in Vietnam identified the deceased Indians as 10 individuals from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala.
Operated by Ocean Pear Island Company, the speedboat overturned while it was transporting tourists from Hon May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port. Investigations into the precise cause of the capsizing are ongoing, as authorities work to understand the full circumstances of this tragic maritime incident.