A comprehensive investigation has been ordered by Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung into the speedboat capsizing off Phu Quoc Island that claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists.
Offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, the Vietnamese PM has assured strict action against those found responsible for the tragedy, as per local media reports.
In an official dispatch issued after the incident, the Prime Minister directed ministries, government agencies and local authorities to deploy all available medical resources, medicines and emergency assistance, Tuoi Tre News reported.
As per authorities, the speedboat, bearing registration number AG-26751, was ferrying 32 Indian tourists, three crew members and one Vietnamese tour guide from May Rut Ngoai Islet to An Thoi International Port. It had overturned about 400 metres from the shore at around 1 p.m. (local time) after encountering strong winds, IANS reported.
Soon after, rescue teams launched an immediate operation. By 3:30 p.m. (local time), they recovered all 36 people who had been onboard. Among them were 21 survivors, while 15 Indian tourists were confirmed dead in the accident.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Vietnam has initiated the process of repatriating the mortal remains of those killed in incident, while rescued tourists are scheduled to return to India on Sunday.
Gelle Kishore, who survived the accident, is said to be undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Vietnam and is recovering steadily.
The Indian Embassy has finalised the agency which is facilitating the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased.
The authorised agency is expected to contact the bereaved families on Sunday to obtain the necessary authorisation required for the release and transportation of the mortal remains to India.
The An Giang provincial authorities informed that five of the recovered bodies were kept at Kien Giang General Hospital, while the remaining 10 were transferred to Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City as officials complete identification and other necessary procedures.