Vietnam boat tragedy: Bodies of 15 Indian tourists flown home

2 hours ago

The bodies of 15 Indian tourists killed in the Phu Quoc speedboat accident were flown to India on Monday. One survivor remains critical in Vietnam as authorities investigate the capsize.

Image used for representational purposes only

India Today World Desk

Hanoi,UPDATED: Jul 13, 2026 18:16 IST

The bodies of the 15 Indian tourists killed in a speedboat accident off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island were flown to India on Monday, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi said. The bodies were sent on a Vietnam Airlines flight that departed from Ho Chi Minh City at around 6 pm local time.

The embassy also said the governments of the victims' home states would coordinate with their families for the onward transportation of the mortal remains from Mumbai airport to their respective destinations. It added that while 16 rescued Indian tourists have returned to India, one survivor remains hospitalised in Vietnam.

Of the 15 people who died, 10 were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy said, "We are grateful for the many messages of condolences and prayers from our Vietnamese friends. Your prayers, efforts and presence gave us strength in this extreme hour of grief." The mission also thanked all concerned authorities in Vietnam for their assistance.

A speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four local crew members capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai off Phu Quoc Island on Friday, killing 15 tourists. The others were rescued. The tourists were reportedly returning from an island visit when the speedboat capsized about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai island.

In a separate post on Monday, the embassy said, "The Indian national undergoing treatment at Phu Quoc after the tragic boat accident successfully underwent a medical procedure yesterday evening. He has been admitted in a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City today. His family members have also arrived in Ho Chi Minh City."

The hospitalised survivor is in critical condition, the AP news agency reported. The 49-year-old man has severe lung damage after nearly drowning, along with shock, multiple injuries and bleeding in the brain, it said. The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, and Vietnamese authorities have ordered an investigation. According to Vietnamese news portal VN Express , the operator of the speedboat was detained on Sunday.

The bodies of the 15 victims have now been sent to India, most of the rescued tourists have returned home, and one survivor remains in critical care in Vietnam as the investigation into the accident continues.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends

Published By:

India Today Web Desk

Published On:

Jul 13, 2026 18:16 IST

Read Full Article at Source