Vietnam boat tragedy: Bodies of 15 Indians to be brought home, Embassy begins repatriation

The Embassy said the mortal remains would first be transported to Ho Chi Minh City, then flown back to India at the earliest, after the completion of necessary formalities.

"The mortal remains of the 15 Indian nationals who tragically passed away in yesterday's boat accident are being transported to Ho Chi Minh City and will reach there by this evening," the Embassy said in a statement posted on Facebook.

"After completion of formalities at Ho Chi Minh, the mortal remains would be transported to India at the earliest," it added.

The Embassy said its officials and Consulate teams were closely coordinating with Vietnamese authorities, who had assured all possible assistance to facilitate the earliest repatriation of the mortal remains.

The update came a day after a boat carrying Indian tourists capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam.

The vessel was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members.

According to Vietnam News, the vessel, operated by Ocean Pearl Island Company, was transporting tourists from Mây Rút Ngoài Island to An Thới Port when it suddenly capsized amid strong waves and winds, throwing those on board into the water.

Meanwhile, the Embassy said 15 survivors of the accident had been discharged from hospital and were travelling back to India.

"Of the two patients in critical care, one has been discharged and is travelling back to India. The other is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Phu Quoc. We continue to pray for his early recovery," the Embassy said in a separate statement.

Mây Rút Ngoài Island is a popular tourist destination in Vietnam.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar condoled the loss of lives in the tragedy.

"Deeply distressed by the unfortunate boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam," Jaishankar wrote on X.

"Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the swift recovery of those injured," he added.