New Delhi: The Embassy of India in Vietnam has begun repatriating the mortal remains of those killed in the tourist boat tragedy near Phu Quoc Island, officials said on Sunday. One injured survivor is receiving treatment in a Vietnamese government hospital and is reported to be recovering steadily, while rescued tourists are due to fly home later in the day.
An authorised agency chosen by the embassy will oversee the transfer of the bodies to India. It is expected to contact victims’ families on Sunday to obtain necessary authorisations for release and transportation, officials said.
Flight arrangements for the rescued tourists have been made by the mobile service provider involved, and departures are scheduled for Sunday. Team Andhra Pradesh Bhavan is working closely with the embassy to monitor the situation and provide support until the survivors return and repatriation is complete.
The accident on Saturday claimed 15 lives, including 10 tourists from Tamil Nadu. Preliminary reports said the boat was carrying about 32 Indian tourists — 17 from Tamil Nadu and others from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala — when it capsized in waters south of Phu Quoc. Vietnamese authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the capsizing.
Rescue teams, local residents and emergency personnel mounted a large-scale operation, pulling several passengers from the water and administering CPR to those found unconscious. Indian authorities continue to coordinate relief and assistance with the embassy as repatriation proceeds.
(Inputs from IANS)