Rahul Gandhi urges Centre to ensure assistance for affected families after Vietnam boat accident
New Delhi, July 11
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday expressed grief over the boat accident near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island carrying Indian tourists, urging the Centre to work closely with Vietnamese authorities to ensure all possible assistance to those affected and their families.
In a post on X, Gandhi said he was "deeply saddened" by the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
"My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. My thoughts are also with those who are still missing, and with their families enduring an agonising wait," he said.
"I urge the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs to work closely with the Vietnamese authorities to ensure that every possible effort is made in the ongoing rescue operations and that all necessary assistance is extended to the affected families," Gandhi added.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed grief over the incident, describing the boat capsizing as "deeply distressing."
In a post on X, Kharge extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and expressed concern for those still missing.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for strength and courage for those anxiously awaiting news of their missing family members," he said.
He also urged the Ministry of External Affairs to remain in close coordination with the Vietnamese authorities during the rescue efforts.
"I urge the Ministry of External Affairs to closely monitor the situation, work in constant coordination with the Vietnamese authorities, and ensure that every possible effort is made in the rescue operations. All necessary assistance and support must be extended to the affected Indian families during this difficult time," Kharge said.
At least 15 people, including Indian tourists, were killed after a speedboat carrying 36 people capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, according to Vietnamese newspaper VN Express.
According to VN Express, citing authorities in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, the speedboat, operated by Ocean Pear Island Company, was ferrying tourists from Hon May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port, around 25 kilometres from Phu Quoc Airport, when it overturned in the afternoon (local time), throwing all those on board into the sea.
By late afternoon, rescuers had brought all 36 passengers ashore.
21 people survived, while 15 others comprising two women and 13 men - were confirmed dead, VN Express reported.
The Embassy of India in Vietnam said that, as per information received from official sources, 32 Indian tourists were on board the boat that capsized near Phu Quoc Island.
"As per information received from official sources, the following 32 Indian tourists were onboard the boat which capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam a few hours ago," the Embassy said in a post on X.
There were three crew members and one flight attendant apart from the 32 Indians onboard the boat.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is heartbreaking. I visited Vietnam last year and took a similar boat trip—never imagined such a tragedy could happen. Condolences to the families. Hope the Indian government ensures swift repatriation and compensation. 🙏
Loss of 15 Indian lives in a foreign country is a big blow. Rahul Gandhi and Kharge expressing concern is fine, but the real question is—what was the MEA doing before this? Our embassies should have better advisory systems to warn tourists about unsafe operators. Also, 32 people on one speedboat? Overcrowding is a classic red flag. 😔
Terrible news. I hope the Indian government is working closely with Vietnam on this. The priority should be supporting grieving families and ensuring the bodies are brought back. It's also a reminder for all of us to check safety records before taking such tours abroad.
It's good that both Rahul Gandhi and Kharge are raising this, but let's not make it political. 15 people dead is a human tragedy first. The MEA should act fast—every hour counts when families are waiting. Also, the boat company should be investigated. 🕊️
Just heard about this on the news. My heart goes out to the families. The government must ensure financial assistance for the affected—many families might have lost their sole breadwinner. Also, why were there only 36 life jackets? Basic safety measures were clearly missing. 💔
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