Indian Embassy releases names of tourists, including 2 Malayalis, who died in Vietnam's boat tragedy
Fifteen Indian tourists were killed and 21 others were rescued after a speedboat carrying 32 Indian visitors and four crew members capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc island.
Names suggest 2 Malayalis among victims.
The deceased Malayalis are A.C. Thomas (57) and his wife
Loveni Thomas (56) from Aviyottu House, Kottarakkara,
according to online news media.
AT least 15 Indian tourists were killed after a speedboat carrying visitors back from an island excursion capsized off southern Vietnam on Saturday (11 July).
The tourist boat was carrying 32 Indian visitors and four crew members when it overturned about 400 metres from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, located near Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island. Authorities said 21 people were rescued, while all the victims' bodies were later recovered.
Eyewitnesses told local news outlet VN Express that nearby boats rushed to the scene immediately after the accident and began pulling passengers from the water before border guards, the Vietnamese navy, coast guard and other rescue agencies joined the operation.
The rescue effort was hampered by rough sea conditions and large waves, while several passengers were reportedly trapped inside the overturned vessel, VN Express reported. The Indian tourists injured in the boat capsize accident were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The cause of the accident was not immediately known, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Phu Quoc, situated in the Gulf of Thailand, is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of domestic and international visitors every year. The island is known for its white-sand beaches, clear waters and luxury resorts.
According to AP, Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, where the tourists had visited before the accident, lies around 10 kilometres south of Phu Quoc and is a popular destination for day trips and water-based activities.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine what caused the speedboat to overturn. No further details about the victims or the circumstances leading to the accident were immediately released. Rescue agencies completed recovery operations after all those on board were accounted for, AP reported.
