A company sponsored trip to Vietnam turned tragic after a tourist speedboat carrying Indian travellers capsized near Phu Quoc Island on Saturday. At least 15 Indians, including 14 Lava Mobiles channel partners and one company employee, lost their lives in the accident. According to survivors, the boat capsized within seconds after travelling only 300 to 400 metres from the island.
According to the Indian Embassy in Hanoi, 15 Indian nationals lost their lives in the Vietnam boat accident. The victims included 10 people from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala. Lava Mobiles said that 14 of those who died were its channel partners, while one was a member of the company’s team.
What Did Lava Mobiles Say?
Lava Mobiles expressed grief over the incident and confirmed the deaths in an official statement. The company said it is working closely with the Indian Embassy in Vietnam and local authorities to ensure the earliest repatriation of the victims’ mortal remains. Lava also said its immediate priority is to support the affected families.
“We at Lava are deeply saddened to confirm that 14 of our channel partners and one member of our Lava team have tragically lost their lives in a boat accident earlier today near Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. Our hearts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. This is an unimaginable tragedy, and we stand with them during this time of profound grief,” the company said in an X post.
“We are in close and continuous contact with the Embassy of India in Vietnam and the local authorities and are doing everything possible to facilitate the earliest possible repatriation of the mortal remains. Our immediate priority is to support every affected family, and our teams in both India and Vietnam remain by their side, extending every possible assistance,” Lava Mobiles added.
What Did Survivors Reveal?
Survivor Nirmal Kumar said the speedboat overturned within seconds, allegedly because of high waves and possible overloading. Another survivor, Ashish Kumar, said the tourists were travelling between islands as part of the company trip. According to him, the boat tipped over around 1:30 pm local time, leaving passengers with little time to react. He also claimed that rescue teams reached the spot quickly but medical teams were not immediately available. According to survivors, the group reached Vietnam on July 9 for a company-sponsored foreign trip and was scheduled to return to India on Sunday morning.
Leaders Express Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and several Chief Ministers expressed condolences over the tragic incident. PM Modi said he was deeply saddened by the loss of Indian lives and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured survivors.
“Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic news of a boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam,” PM Modi said in a post on X. “My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers for the early recovery of the injured survivors.”
