Thiruvananthapuram: What began as a dream holiday ended in heartbreak for a couple from Kerala after they were among 15 Indian tourists killed when a speedboat capsized off Vietnam’s picturesque Phu Quoc Island on Saturday.
The victims were identified as A.C. Thomas (57), owner of the Victory Group of Industries, and his wife Loveni Thomas (56), both natives of Kottarakkara in Kollam district.
Their deaths have been confirmed, sending shockwaves through their hometown and the wider business community.
The accident occurred around 1 p.m. local time near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, when the tourist speedboat, owned by Ocean Pier Island Company, overturned in rough seas.
Preliminary reports indicate that the vessel encountered strong winds and turbulent waters before capsizing barely 400 metres into its return journey from the island to An Thoi Port.
There were 36 people on board, including 32 Indian tourists and four crew members.
While 21 passengers were rescued with the help of nearby boats and Vietnamese rescue teams, 15 Indian tourists lost their lives.
Several survivors remain hospitalised, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Among the deceased were tourists from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.
Vietnamese authorities mounted a massive rescue operation involving the military, police and civilian emergency responders immediately after the tragedy.
With the deaths of the Kottarakkara couple confirmed, the Kerala government has stepped up efforts to assist the bereaved families.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan directed the NORKA CEO Ajith Kolassery to establish contact with the Vietnamese Embassy and gather detailed information about the victims and survivors.
The Chief Minister’s Office is also in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Resident Commissioner of Kerala House Puneet Kumar has been entrusted with coordinating follow-up action.
The Embassy of India in Vietnam, along with control rooms in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, is working closely with Vietnamese authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the bodies and provide all necessary assistance to the injured and their families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and said Indian officials were coordinating with Vietnamese authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured and expedite all emergency assistance and legal formalities.
Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi also conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in one of the worst overseas tragedies involving Indian tourists in recent years.
(IANS)
