The Vietnam speedboat tragedy has left southern India in mourning after it was confirmed that all 15 Indian tourists who lost their lives were from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. As families awaited updates from Vietnam, the governments of the three states quickly began coordinating with authorities, extending support to survivors, and assisting the families of the victims.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday afternoon during an island-hopping excursion on Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island, when a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists capsized in rough seas. The accident claimed at least 15 lives, while several others remained trapped inside the overturned vessel before being rescued.
According to Vietnamese news outlet VNExpress, the speedboat overturned approximately 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai while transporting passengers from May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port at around 1 pm local time.
Southern States Respond to the Tragedy
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and directed officials to work closely with Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian Embassy in Vietnam to support the affected families.
He also instructed authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and facilitate the return of the victims' mortal remains to India.
According to state officials, 10 of the 15 deceased were residents of Tamil Nadu. Among them were 44-year-old Murugaprabhu from Dindigul and 47-year-old Alaguraj from Kirapatti.
Three tourists from Andhra Pradesh also lost their lives in the accident. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated that 19 people from the state had been travelling on the ill-fated boat and directed officials to coordinate with the relevant authorities, assist the affected families, and make arrangements for the safe return of the survivors.
The victims from Andhra Pradesh included 41-year-old Ravi Teja from Hindupuram and Sridhar, a mobile phone shop owner from Kadapa. Another tourist from Anantapur who was part of the group was reported to be safe.
In Kerala, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan instructed the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) department to coordinate with the Vietnam Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs after two residents of the state were confirmed dead. Officials at Kerala House were also directed to assist in the relief efforts.
The Kerala victims were identified as 57-year-old A.C. Thomas and his 56-year-old wife, Loveni Thomas, residents of Kottarakkara in Kollam district.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also expressed shock over reports that tourists from the Telugu-speaking states had been affected. He directed officials to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Vietnam to expedite relief efforts and gather further information about the incident.
Rescue Operations Delayed by Rough Seas
Rescue operations were initially hindered by rough sea conditions, with several passengers trapped inside the overturned speedboat. Eyewitnesses said the turbulent waters made it difficult for rescuers to reach those inside until emergency teams arrived.
Nearby boats were the first to respond, pulling survivors from the water. The rescue operation was later strengthened after Vietnam's Border Guards deployed two vessels along with 35 officers and soldiers, enabling rescue efforts to progress more effectively.
Within a few hours, rescue teams accounted for all 32 passengers. Authorities confirmed that at least 15 people had died, while the remaining tourists survived the accident.
The company operating the speedboat stated that its driver, a man in his mid-50s, had extensive experience navigating the route. Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances that led to the fatal accident.
