Phu Quoc boat tragedy: India repatriates 15 victims, survivors fly home Sunday
Synopsis
Fifteen Indian tourists are dead after a boat capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on a trip meant to be a reward. As survivors prepare to fly home Sunday, the Indian Embassy races to repatriate the remains — and a Vietnamese investigation is only just beginning.
Key Takeaways
15 Indian tourists died after a tourist boat capsized near Phu Quoc Island , Vietnam, on Saturday, 12 July .
10 of the deceased were from Tamil Nadu ; passengers also included tourists from Andhra Pradesh , Telangana , and Kerala .
The boat was reportedly carrying around 32 Indian tourists when it overturned in waters south of Phu Quoc.
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam has finalised an agency to repatriate the mortal remains; bereaved families are to be contacted on Sunday for authorisation.
Survivor Gelle Kishore is recovering at a government hospital in Vietnam.
Rescued tourists are scheduled to fly back to India on Sunday ; the cause of the capsize remains under investigation by Vietnamese authorities.
The Embassy of India in Vietnam has initiated the repatriation of mortal remains of the 15 Indian tourists killed when a tourist boat capsized near Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam on Saturday, 12 July, while rescued survivors are scheduled to board flights home the same day. The tragedy, which struck what was intended as a reward trip for Indian visitors, has drawn active diplomatic coordination between New Delhi and Hanoi.
Repatriation Process Underway
The Indian Embassy has finalised the agency responsible for facilitating the return of the mortal remains. According to an official update issued at 7:30 am on Sunday, the authorised agency is expected to contact bereaved families on Sunday to obtain the necessary authorisation for the release and transportation of the remains to India.
Meanwhile, Gelle Kishore, one of the injured survivors, continues to recover at a government hospital in Vietnam, with officials describing his condition as steadily improving.
Survivors Scheduled to Return
The rescued tourists are set to board flights on Sunday to return to their respective hometowns. Flight tickets for their journey have been arranged by the concerned mobile service provider. Team Andhra Pradesh Bhavan is continuing to coordinate closely with the Indian Embassy, monitoring the situation to provide all necessary assistance until the safe return of all affected persons.
What Happened at Phu Quoc
The boat was reportedly carrying around 32 Indian tourists — including 17 from Tamil Nadu, with the remaining passengers from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala. The vessel reportedly overturned while cruising in waters south of Phu Quoc, a popular tourist destination in southern Vietnam. The exact cause of the capsizing has not yet been officially disclosed.
Rescue teams, local residents, and emergency personnel launched a large-scale operation shortly after the incident. Rescuers administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to those found unconscious in the water. Despite the swift response, 15 people — including 10 tourists from Tamil Nadu — lost their lives. Vietnamese authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Diplomatic Response and What Comes Next
Indian authorities, in coordination with the Embassy in Vietnam, are overseeing relief measures and arrangements for victims' families as the repatriation process progresses. This incident underscores the risks faced by Indian tourists on overseas group excursions, particularly on water-based activities where safety oversight can vary significantly. The outcome of the Vietnamese investigation is expected to shed light on whether vessel capacity, weather conditions, or operator negligence played a role.
Point of View
Questions about operator due diligence and pre-departure safety checks are unavoidable. The involvement of Team Andhra Pradesh Bhavan alongside the Indian Embassy signals that state governments are filling a coordination gap that the Centre has not yet formalised into a standing overseas-tourist emergency protocol. Until Vietnam's investigation concludes, the full picture of accountability remains open.
NationPress
12 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Phu Quoc boat accident?
A tourist boat carrying around 32 Indian tourists capsized in waters south of Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam on Saturday, 12 July. The accident killed 15 people, including 10 tourists from Tamil Nadu, while the remaining passengers were rescued.
How many Indians died in the Vietnam boat tragedy?
15 Indian tourists lost their lives in the Phu Quoc boat capsize. Of these, 10 were from Tamil Nadu, with other victims from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala.
What is the Indian Embassy doing for the victims' families?
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam has finalised an authorised agency to facilitate the repatriation of the mortal remains. The agency is expected to contact bereaved families on Sunday to obtain necessary authorisation for the release and transport of the remains to India.
When will the survivors return to India?
Rescued tourists are scheduled to board flights on Sunday, 13 July, to return to their respective hometowns. Flight tickets have been arranged by the concerned mobile service provider.
What caused the boat to capsize near Phu Quoc?
The exact cause has not yet been officially disclosed. Vietnamese authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the vessel overturning in waters south of Phu Quoc Island.
