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

The Andhra Pradesh government has launched round-the-clock relief and repatriation efforts after a tourist boat tragedy off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island claimed the lives of three residents of the state and left another seriously injured. The accident occurred on Saturday when a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists capsized during a leisure excursion, resulting in the deaths of 15 Indian nationals. State authorities are now coordinating with the Central government and Indian diplomatic missions to ensure the safe return of survivors and the bodies of those who lost their lives.

The deceased from Andhra Pradesh have been identified as Nallapeta Adiseshaiah Ravi Teja, 41, from Hindupuram in Sri Sathya Sai district, Mudium Sreedhar from Kadapa and Gelli Jaya Lakshmi from Machilipatnam. Another resident of the state, Gelli Kishore of Machilipatnam, sustained injuries in the incident and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Vietnam. Among the 15 Indian victims, 10 were from Tamil Nadu, while two were from Kerala.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described the tragedy as deeply heartbreaking and conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims. He directed officials to work closely with the Government of India, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City to expedite the repatriation process. The state government said every effort is being made to provide assistance to the affected families during the difficult period.

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

Minister for Information Technology Nara Lokesh and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha have been closely monitoring developments since the accident. The Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) and Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi have established a 24-hour coordination mechanism with Vietnamese authorities and the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society to facilitate communication, documentation and logistical support for the victims and their families.

Grief gripped the homes of the victims as relatives awaited further updates from authorities. Ramesh, the brother of Mudium Sreedhar, said the family had only been informed of his death and appealed to the government to help bring his brother's body back to India at the earliest. Sreedhar had travelled to Vietnam on July 8 for a company event before joining a sightseeing excursion. Family members of Ravi Teja in Hindupuram said they were still awaiting official confirmation while praying for his safe return.

Officials said they have already contacted the affected families and assured them of all possible assistance throughout the repatriation process. The Andhra Pradesh government has reiterated its commitment to working with Indian diplomatic missions and Vietnamese authorities until all survivors are safely brought home and the mortal remains of the deceased are returned to their families. The tragedy has prompted swift administrative action as authorities continue to monitor the situation and support those affected.

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