The mortal remains of Tamil Nadu residents killed in the Vietnam boat tragedy arrived at Coimbatore and Chennai airports on Tuesday. State authorities arranged government-funded vehicles to transport the victims to their hometowns for final rites.
Coimbatore airport receives six victims
Emotional scenes unfolded at Coimbatore International Airport on Tuesday, July 14, as the mortal remains of six Tamil Nadu residents killed in the Vietnam boat tragedy arrived from Mumbai.
Grieving relatives, district officials, police personnel and representatives of the state administration gathered at the airport to receive the caskets. The bodies were scheduled to be transported to the victims’ hometowns in Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Dharmapuri and Dindigul.
The state government arranged dedicated hearse vehicles fitted with freezer boxes to carry the mortal remains from Coimbatore airport. Officials coordinated with the families and district administrations to ensure that the bodies reached their native places without further delay.
Four other victims from Tamil Nadu were transported through Chennai airport, taking the total number of victims from the state to 10.
Phu Quoc boat capsize killed 15 Indians
The accident occurred on Saturday, July 11, near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island. The speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members when it overturned a short distance from the shore.
The passengers were reportedly mobile phone dealers, distributors and business associates travelling as part of a corporate incentive programme connected with Lava International. Rescue teams and nearby vessels pulled 21 people from the water, while 15 Indian tourists died in the accident.
Rough seas and strong winds were reported around the time of the capsize. Vietnamese authorities have detained the boat’s captain and opened an investigation into possible violations of water transport safety regulations. Officials are also examining the vessel’s operation, passenger-safety arrangements and the circumstances that caused it to overturn.
Indian Embassy coordinates body repatriation
The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Vietnam worked with Vietnamese authorities to complete identification, documentation and repatriation procedures.
The mortal remains of all 15 victims were transported from Vietnam to Mumbai on Monday. After customs, immigration and other formalities were completed, the bodies were placed on domestic flights to their respective home states.
The Tamil Nadu administration, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, coordinated with airport authorities and district officials to arrange onward transportation and assistance for the affected families.
The Indian Embassy thanked Vietnamese authorities, rescue personnel and local residents for supporting the victims and survivors after the Phu Quoc boat capsize.
Families prepare for final rites
Relatives waiting at Coimbatore airport struggled to contain their grief as officials handed over the mortal remains. Authorities kept medical, police and transport teams ready to avoid delays during the transfer process.
Several family members expressed gratitude to the Indian Embassy and the state administration for helping bring their loved ones home. The victims’ hometowns are now preparing for the final rites as communities across Tamil Nadu mourn those killed during the overseas trip.
The tragedy has also renewed attention on maritime safety, life-jacket enforcement, emergency response systems and the regulation of tourist speedboats operating near popular island destinations.
