Vietnam Boat Tragedy – Victims Returned to Chennai as Families Mourn Loss
Vietnam Boat Tragedy – The bodies of Indian tourists who died in the Vietnam boat accident were brought back to Chennai on Tuesday, where grieving relatives received them amid emotional scenes and official tributes.
The mortal remains of several Indian tourists who lost their lives in the speedboat accident near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island reached Chennai International Airport on Tuesday. Family members, government representatives, and political leaders gathered to pay their final respects as the bodies were formally handed over. The arrival marked a painful end to the repatriation process for families who had been waiting since the accident occurred on July 11.
Survivor recounts terrifying moments
One of the survivors, Nirmal Kumar from Palani, described the frightening sequence of events that unfolded while the group was travelling between islands. According to him, the boat suddenly overturned, leaving passengers with only seconds to react.
He said that around 20 passengers seated near the edge of the vessel managed to escape by jumping into the sea. However, nearly 15 others remained trapped inside because the enclosed structure of the boat prevented them from getting out quickly. The closed cabin became a major obstacle as people struggled to find a way to safety.
Nirmal Kumar also said that the rescue operation did not begin immediately, and the delay proved critical for those trapped inside. He noted that rescue personnel reached the site after about 10 minutes, by which time only those who had jumped into the water had survived. He acknowledged the assistance provided by both the Indian and Vietnamese governments, saying authorities helped recover the bodies and ensured medical care and other necessary support for those affected.
Family thanks authorities for support
Among those who died was Vellore-based businessman CB Vinay Kumar, who had travelled to Vietnam to participate in a distributors’ conference. Speaking after receiving his son-in-law’s remains, a family member expressed appreciation for the coordinated efforts made by various authorities during the difficult period.
He thanked the Tamil Nadu government, the Central government, and officials at the Indian Consulate in Vietnam for maintaining regular communication and helping the family throughout the repatriation process. Special appreciation was also extended to a consular official for providing timely updates and ensuring that the family’s concerns were addressed without delay.
The family additionally acknowledged the continued support of Vellore MLA Vinoth, saying he remained in constant contact, assisted with official procedures, and stood by them throughout the crisis. They described his involvement as compassionate and invaluable during an emotionally challenging time.
Tributes paid at Chennai airport
At Chennai International Airport, Vellore Assembly Constituency MLA Vinoth, accompanied by members of Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), joined relatives and officials in paying homage to the deceased. Floral wreaths were placed before the coffins as airline representatives completed the formal handover of the mortal remains to family members and state authorities.
The solemn ceremony reflected the grief shared by families and well-wishers, with many gathering quietly to offer condolences before the victims were taken to their hometowns for final rites.
Details of the Vietnam accident
The accident took place on July 11 near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, located off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island. The tourist speedboat was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members, when it capsized during the journey between islands.
According to official information, 15 Indian tourists lost their lives in the tragedy. The victims included 10 people from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala. Earlier, the mortal remains of other victims had been flown to Mumbai before the Chennai repatriation was completed for families from southern India.
Authorities from both India and Vietnam coordinated rescue efforts, medical assistance, identification procedures, and the transportation of the victims’ remains, enabling families to perform the final rites in their home states.