The bodies of 15 Indian tourists killed in a speedboat accident off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island were repatriated to India on Monday, July 13, 2026, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi confirmed.
A Vietnam Airlines flight carrying the remains departed Ho Chi Minh City at 6 p.m. local time. State governments will coordinate with families to transport the bodies from Mumbai airport to their final destinations.
Victims and survivors of the Phu Quoc boat tragedy
The victims included 10 from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala. A speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai island on Friday, killing 15. Sixteen rescued tourists have returned to India, while one remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The 49-year-old survivor, with severe lung damage and brain bleeding, underwent a medical procedure and was transferred to a Ho Chi Minh City hospital. His family has arrived to be with him.
Investigation into the Vietnam maritime accident
Vietnamese authorities have detained the speedboat operator and launched an investigation into the cause. The tourists were returning from an island visit when the vessel capsized about 400 meters offshore.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and coral reefs. The Indian Embassy expressed gratitude for Vietnamese support and condolences during the repatriation process.
