Andhra CM Grieves Boat Tragedy in Vietnam, 3 Dead from State

Vietnam boat capsize: Andhra CM expresses grief over death of three persons from state

Amravati, July 11

According to a release, a total of 33 people from the state travelled to Vietnam on a tour, of whom 19 were on board when the boat was involved in the accident. Three people lost their lives, while the remaining passengers were rescued. One person sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.

Expressing sorrow over the loss of three lives in the boat mishap, the Chief Minister said the incident was deeply distressing. The Chief Minister reviewed the accident with officials and sought details on the relief measures being provided to the victims and the current condition of the tourists. He directed officials to take immediate steps to facilitate the safe return of those who survived the accident to Andhra Pradesh.

He also instructed officials to speak with the families of the three deceased and ensure necessary assistance is extended to them.

The Chief Minister directed officials at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi to coordinate closely with the Vietnamese authorities and the Indian embassy in Vietnam to provide all required support to the affected tourists and their families.

The families of at least 15 Indian nationals remain in mourning after their kin were killed in a boat capsize incident near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam on Saturday.

The Embassy of India in Vietnam, in a list of the deceased, stated that 10 people from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala died in the speedboat tragedy.

According to Arja Srikanth, Special Commissioner and Special Representative for the Andhra Pradesh Government at AP Bhavan in New Delhi, Vietnamese authorities earlier in the day confirmed 15 fatalities, including 13 men and two women, all Indian tourists. 21 people, including 17 passengers and four crew members, were rescued and admitted to hospitals, while two survivors remain in critical condition and are receiving intensive medical care.

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.

According to the news report, nearby tourist boats rushed to the scene after spotting the capsized vessel.

A boat owner involved in the rescue operation said his vessel reached the site within about five minutes, but rescue efforts were hampered as several passengers were trapped inside the overturned speedboat, VN Express reported.

By Saturday 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.

— ANI