Bodies of 15 Indian tourists killed in Vietnam boat tragedy return to Mumbai

Bodies Return Home

The remains of 15 Indian tourists who died in a boat capsizing in Vietnam were repatriated on Monday night, arriving at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.

Vietnam Airlines flight VN979 landed at 21:19, carrying the victims’ bodies back to India. Family members and officials were present as the remains were transferred for onwards journeys to their hometowns for last rites.

Deadly Boat Accident

The victims were part of a group of 32 Indian tourists on a company-sponsored trip organised by Lava International, the company behind Lava Mobiles. The boat accident occurred on July 11, about 400 metres from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, as the group was returning from an island-hopping excursion. Fifteen Indian tourists died, while 21 people, including four Vietnamese crew members, were rescued by the local authorities.

Among the dead, 10 were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala, including two women. Most survivors have since returned to India after receiving medical treatment, while one person remains in critical condition at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

Investigation Underway

Vietnamese police have arrested the boat’s captain as part of an investigation into possible legal violations linked to the incident. According to local media, the vessel was operated by Ocean Pearl Island Company and was licensed to carry passengers on offshore tourist trips.

Article by Viory