Mortal Remains of 15 Indian Tourists to Arrive in Mumbai Monday

The mortal remains of the 15 Indian tourists who lost their lives in a speedboat accident off Vietnam's Phu Quoc island are scheduled to arrive in Mumbai on Monday, according to the Indian Embassy in Hanoi. The embassy said the remains would be repatriated from Ho Chi Minh City on Vietnam Airlines flight VN979, which is expected to land at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 9:35 pm IST. State governments concerned have been informed to coordinate with the families for the transportation of the remains to their respective hometowns.

In a statement shared on social media, the Indian Embassy said it remains in constant contact with the affected families and is extending all possible assistance during the repatriation process. The mission also stated that both the Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City continue to support the families and assist with the necessary formalities. Officials have urged relatives to remain in touch with local authorities for further coordination.

The tragedy occurred on Saturday when a speedboat operated by Ocean Pear Island Company capsized about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai islet while returning to An Thoi Port after an island-hopping excursion. The vessel was carrying 32 Indian tourists along with four crew members. According to witnesses, the boat overturned within minutes of departure, throwing passengers into the sea, with several reportedly trapped beneath the overturned vessel.

Also Read: Three Andhra Tourists Killed in Vietnam Boat Accident, State Begins Repatriation

Rescue operations were launched immediately, with nearby boats, Vietnamese border guards, navy personnel and the coastguard responding to the emergency. Authorities successfully rescued 21 people, while the bodies of all 15 victims were later recovered. Preliminary reports indicate that many of the deceased belonged to Telangana and Tamil Nadu, although officials are continuing to coordinate with the families regarding identification and repatriation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the loss of lives and assured that the Indian Embassy was providing all necessary assistance to the victims' families. Meanwhile, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and directed authorities to review maritime and inland waterway safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Phu Quoc, located in the Gulf of Thailand, has become one of Vietnam's most popular destinations for Indian tourists in recent years due to improved direct flight connectivity and the country's liberal e-visa policy. The island welcomed approximately 5.7 million visitors during the first half of the year, according to local tourism authorities. The latest tragedy has raised fresh concerns about passenger safety and operational standards for tourist vessels operating in the region.

Also Read: Rescue Teams Respond After Boat Carrying Indian Tourists Capsizes Near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island