New Delhi [India], July 11 : President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of Indian lives in a boat accident near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island, which claimed at least 15 lives, including those of Indian tourists.
In a post on X, the official account of Rashtrapati Bhavan shared, "Saddened by the news of a boat accident in Vietnam in which many Indian nationals lost their lives. My deep condolences to the grieving families. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured."
https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/2075935889210097758
Vice President Radhakrishnan said, "Deeply anguished by the tragic boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc island, Vietnam, which has claimed precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray for the swift and complete recovery of those injured and wish strength and courage to all those affected by this tragic incident."
https://x.com/VPIndia/status/2075916766396735593
The Embassy of India in Vietnam confirmed that all 15 people, comprising two women and 13 men, killed in the boat capsize near Phu Quoc Island earlier today were Indian nationals.
Meanwhile, Vietnam's Prime Minister Le Minh Hun issued an urgent directive to authorities at both the central and local levels to prioritise search and rescue operations, provide assistance to victims and their families, and investigate the cause of the tourist boat capsize.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the loss of lives extending his sincere condolences to the bereaved families.
The Prime Minister said he was "extremely saddened" by the tragic accident and assured that the Indian Embassy and Consulate were providing all possible assistance to those affected.
"Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic news of a boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam. My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers for the early recovery of the injured survivors. Our Embassy and Consulate are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities," PM Modi posted on X.
Condolences poured in from political leaders across party lines, with leaders urging the Centre and Indian missions to ensure swift assistance, rescue efforts and the early repatriation of the victims.
In connection with the boat accident involving two Malayalis, the Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan has instructed the NORKA (Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs) CEO to coordinate with the Vietnam Embassy and obtain more details.
He said, "Deeply saddened by the unfortunate boat accident in Vietnam involving two Keralites. The NORKA CEO has been directed to coordinate with the Vietnam Embassy for urgent updates. The CMO is in constant touch with MEA, and the Keralam House Resident Commissioner has been tasked with coordinating efforts to ensure immediate assistance and support."
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay also expressed deep grief over the deaths of tourists, including people from Tamil Nadu and other Indian states, in a boat accident and directed officials to extend all necessary assistance to those affected.
The Chief Minister has called for the early repatriation of the deceased bodies to Tamil Nadu so they can reach their families, instructing officials to coordinate through the Indian Embassy.
Congress MP from Wayanad Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed grief and extended her condolences to the bereaved families.
https://x.com/priyankagandhi/status/2075970653828894852?s=20
"My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones in the tragic capsizing of a boat carrying Indian tourists near Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam.I pray for strength and courage for them at this difficult time," she said.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi also expressed grief and extended her condolences to the bereaved families.
https://x.com/KanimozhiDMK/status/2075938542715654292
"The news that eight tourists from Tamil Nadu lost their lives in a tragic boat accident in Vietnam fills me with profound sorrow. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who have passed away," Kanimozhi said.
AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Vietnam to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families.
https://x.com/kcvenugopalmp/status/2075948946875441174
"Horrified by the news of the boat accident in Phu Quoc, Vietnam causing the death of many Indian tourists. The whole nation mourns the departure of these innocent tourists. I urge the MEA and Indian Embassy in Vietnam to provide all necessary support to the families of these victims in this difficult time," Venugopal said.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal urged the Central government to extend all possible support to those affected by the tragedy.
https://x.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/2075961722989625461?s=20
"Deeply pained by the devastating boat accident in Vietnam, which has claimed the lives of several Indian citizens. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families during this time of profound grief. I urge the Central Government to ensure all possible support to those affected by this tragedy," Kejriwal said.
Andhra BJP president, PVN Madhav said, "It is a very unfortunate thing that happened in Vietnam; the tourist boat capsized.15 people have died; three of them belong to Andhra Pradesh. We are in touch with the External Affairs Ministry regarding bringing back the bodies and safe transportation. They've issued a call to the Vietnam embassy, which is also in full swing, to see how the accident happened. It's quite unfortunate that this kind of thing happens in a foreign land."
Andhra Pradesh Minister Kollu Ravindra said, "It's very sad. More than 15 people from Andhra Pradesh died in this incident. In that, two members are from Machilipatnam... One of those family members died in that accident. One is in serious condition. The CM and the IT minister also spoke to the embassy, and they are arranging all arrangements for them to come here. The government will do whatever they require. Tomorrow morning I will go and meet them."
TDP National Spokesperson Komma Reddy Pattabhi Ram said, "In an extremely tragic incident, today in Vietnam, 15 Indians are learned to have lost their lives, when a boat, carrying them had capsized, in rough weather. Out of those 15 Indian citizens, it is learned that most of them are from Andhra Pradesh. Exact details are yet to be known. Our cabinet minister and our party working president Nara Lokesh, immediately after hearing the news, instructed all the concerned officials to get in touch with the Indian Embassy in Vietnam and also with the Union government to extend all kinds of support to the injured people."
"It is learned that more than 20 passengers have been rescued and are admitted in various hospitals. The government of Andhra Pradesh is completely reviewing the situation and is trying to extend all kinds of support to the affected families," he further said.
Ramanathapuram MP Navaskani said, "Lava Mobile Company had organised a tour to Vietnam for its mobile sales personnel, during which the tragic boat accident occurred. The death of Sheikh Abdullah had been officially confirmed and efforts were being made in coordination with both the Central and Tamil Nadu governments to bring the mortal remains back to Tiruchirappalli at the earliest. The exact cause of the accident was still not clear. However, preliminary information suggests that the boat was carrying a large number of passengers and encountered rough sea conditions after sudden high waves, leading to the mishap."
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha said, "In a tragic incident, we have received official information that approximately three people have passed away in a boat accident in Vietnam. One of them belongs to Machilipatnam, and the others belong to Kakinada. We have already spoken with the relatives of all three individuals. The Andhra Pradesh government is coordinating with them to arrange visas for their travel. We are taking steps to bring back their mortal remains as soon as possible. Additionally, I have personally spoken with the 16 individuals who are currently safe. They are all safe and secure in a hotel. We are making all necessary arrangements to bring them back as well, as quickly as possible."
According to VN Express, citing authorities in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, the speedboat, operated by Ocean Pear Island Company, was ferrying tourists from Hon May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port, around 25 kilometres from Phu Quoc Airport, when it overturned in the afternoon (local time), throwing all those on board into the sea.
Sharing the list of the deceased in a post on X, the Embassy said the names were received from Vietnamese authorities.
https://x.com/AmbHanoi/status/2075936490266464731
The Embassy in its list, stated that 10 people from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala have died in the capsize.