Vietnam Boat Tragedy: 15 Indians Die on Incentive Trip
By ThePip Desk
Tragedy strikes near Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, as a tourist boat capsizes, claiming 15 Indian lives during a business incentive trip. Rescue efforts underway.
A tragic incident unfolded near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island when a tourist speedboat, carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members, capsized, leading to the deaths of 15 Indian nationals. The accident, which occurred during a business incentive trip, has prompted expressions of grief and coordinated assistance efforts from Indian authorities.
Among the deceased, 10 individuals hailed from Tamil Nadu, and three were from Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh victims were identified as N Adiseshaiah Ravi Teja, Mudiyam Sreedhar, and Gelli Jaya Lakshmi. Fortunately, 21 other individuals from the boat were rescued following the rapid overturning of the vessel.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay conveyed their profound sorrow regarding the tragedy. Both leaders have confirmed active coordination with relevant authorities to extend necessary support to the affected families and to expedite the repatriation process for the bodies of the deceased.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sadness over the incident, assuring that Indian missions in Vietnam are offering all possible assistance. A survivor recounted that the boat capsized swiftly due to high waves, with potential overloading cited as a contributing factor in the sudden accident.
The ill-fated trip was organized by Vietnam-based Threeland Travel, in collaboration with local vendor Sai Vietnam, as an incentive for mobile phone distributors. The larger tour group comprised 105 mobile distributors from South India, with approximately 70 members reportedly hospitalized after the incident. Rescue operations have concluded, and an investigation is underway to ascertain the precise cause, considering adverse weather, rough sea conditions, and possible mechanical failure.