Three Andhra Victims' Bodies Expected In Hyderabad After Vietnam Boat Tragedy

The Centre and the Andhra Pradesh government have intensified efforts to repatriate the mortal remains of three tourists from the state who lost their lives in the boat accident near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. According to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, the bodies are expected to be flown to Hyderabad after Vietnamese authorities and Indian officials complete the required documentation and transport formalities. The repatriation process is being coordinated jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Indian Embassy in Vietnam and the Andhra Pradesh government.

In an official statement issued on Sunday, the Union Minister said the government was extending all possible assistance to the bereaved families while working to ensure the swift return of the victims. The three deceased have been identified as Ravi Teja from Hindupur, M. Sridhar from Kadapa and Gelli Jayalakshmi from Machilipatnam. The tragedy occurred during a boat excursion near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island, where the tourists were among those affected by the accident.

Ram Mohan Naidu said Vietnamese authorities, in coordination with officials from the Indian Embassy in Vietnam, are completing essential procedures, including identification of the victims, documentation, issuance of transport clearances and other legal formalities. Once these steps are completed, the bodies are expected to be transported to Hanoi before being flown to Hyderabad. The minister added that Indian Embassy officials were expected to complete airline bookings and the remaining paperwork by Monday to facilitate the repatriation.

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The Union Minister further stated that the mortal remains would be brought to Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport after all formalities are completed. To ensure a smooth handover process, he urged the families of the victims to register the required details on the eCARe portal. According to the advisory, family members must submit the name of the individual authorised to receive the body, along with a valid government-issued photo identity card and a mobile phone number. These details will be forwarded by the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan team to the Indian Embassy in Vietnam to complete the remaining documentation.

Officials said the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan is working closely with the embassy and central ministries to oversee the repatriation process and assist the affected families at every stage. The state government has also been coordinating with local authorities to ensure that logistical arrangements are in place once the bodies arrive in Hyderabad. From the airport, the mortal remains are expected to be transported to the victims' hometowns for their final rites, in coordination with district administrations.

The boat tragedy has shocked families and communities across Andhra Pradesh, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support. While authorities continue to facilitate the return of the victims, attention has also turned to the survivors, who are expected to return to India after completing local formalities in Vietnam. The Centre has reiterated its commitment to extending all necessary assistance to Indian nationals affected by the incident, while the Indian Embassy remains engaged with Vietnamese authorities to ensure the repatriation process is completed without unnecessary delays.

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