NEW DELHI: The mortal remains of the 15 Indian tourists who died in a speedboat accident off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island were flown to India on Monday, with the Indian Embassy expressing gratitude to Vietnamese authorities and citizens for their support during the tragedy.In a post on X, the Embassy of India in Vietnam said the bodies departed Ho Chi Minh City aboard Vietnam Airlines flight VN979 and were scheduled to arrive in Mumbai at 9.30 pm local time.“The mortal remains of the 15 Indian nationals have departed from Ho Chi Minh City to Mumbai by Vietnam Airlines flight VN 979 and will arrive at 2130 hours local time,” the embassy said.It added that the governments of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu would coordinate the transportation of the mortal remains to their final destinations.“The State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu will coordinate transportation of mortal remains to their final destinations in the respective states,” the embassy said.The mission also thanked Vietnamese authorities for their assistance in the aftermath of the accident.“Embassy of India, Hanoi and the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City wish to convey sincere gratitude to authorities of Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, An Giang Province as well as Department of Foreign Affairs, Ho Chi Minh City, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all other agencies for all the assistance provided following the tragic boat accident.”The embassy also acknowledged the support and condolences received from the Vietnamese people.“We are grateful for the many messages of condolences and prayers from our Vietnamese friends. Your prayers, efforts and presence gave us strength in this extreme hour of grief.”According to PTI, 10 of the victims were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala.The accident occurred on Friday when a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai off Phu Quoc Island. Fifteen Indian tourists were killed, while the remaining passengers were rescued.PTI reported that 16 rescued Indian tourists have already returned to India, while one survivor remains hospitalised in Vietnam.In a separate update on Monday, the Indian Embassy said the injured Indian national had undergone a medical procedure and was shifted to a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.“The Indian national undergoing treatment at Phu Quoc after the tragic boat accident successfully underwent a medical procedure yesterday evening. He has been admitted in a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City today. His family members have also arrived in Ho Chi Minh City,” the embassy said.According to the Associated Press, the 49-year-old survivor remains in critical condition with severe lung damage, multiple injuries and bleeding in the brain.Vietnamese authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. According to VN Express International, the operator of the speedboat was detained on Sunday.
