The remains of 15 Indian tourists who tragically lost their lives in a speedboat accident near Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, were repatriated to India on July 13, 2026. The Indian Embassy in Hanoi confirmed that the bodies were flown on a Vietnam Airlines flight that took off from Ho Chi Minh City at approximately 6 pm local time.

In addition, the embassy indicated that co-ordination between the state governments of the deceased and their families will facilitate the transfer of the bodies from Mumbai airport to their respective hometowns. This process is expected to provide some closure to grieving families.

Out of the 15 individuals who perished in the accident, it was reported that ten hailed from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala. The Indian Embassy expressed gratitude for the outpouring of condolences and support received from the Vietnamese community during this period of mourning.

Details of the Incident

The deadly incident occurred when a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four local crew members capsized off Hon May Rut Ngoai island on July 10, 2026. Reports indicate the group was returning from an island visit when the vessel overturned approximately 400 metres from the shore.

While 16 tourists were successfully rescued and returned to India, one individual remains in a hospital in Vietnam. The authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of the accident, prompting an investigation by local officials.

In a subsequent update, the embassy announced that the survivor currently receiving treatment in Phu Quoc has undergone a medical procedure and was transferred to a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. The survivor, a 49-year-old man, is reportedly in critical condition, suffering from severe lung damage, shock, multiple injuries, and bleeding in the brain due to near drowning.

Investigation and Continued Care for Survivor

As investigations into the accident unfold, it has been reported that the operator of the speedboat was detained on July 11, 2026, as part of the inquiries. Vietnamese authorities are working diligently to ascertain the cause of the tragic incident and ensure accountability.

The Indian Embassy thanked various local authorities in Vietnam for their support during the crisis, stating that the cooperation has been invaluable in these trying times. Furthermore, family members of the survivor have also arrived in Ho Chi Minh City to provide support during his hospitalisation.

While the majority of the rescued tourists have returned home, efforts are ongoing to manage the care of the sole survivor still in Vietnam. The embassy continues to maintain communication with local officials and medical personnel to track the survivor’s progress and ensure that all necessary resources are available for his recovery.

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