The mortal remains of 15 Indian tourists who tragically died in a speedboat accident off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island are being repatriated to India today, Monday, July 13, 2026. The bodies are scheduled to arrive in Mumbai later this evening, as Vietnamese authorities continue their criminal investigation into the incident.
Repatriation Details Confirmed
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam confirmed that the remains would be transported from Ho Chi Minh City to Mumbai via Vietnam Airlines flight VN979. The flight is expected to depart at 18:00 local time and arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 21:35 IST. State governments in India have been informed to coordinate with the affected families for the onward journey of the remains to their final destinations.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The accident occurred on Saturday near Hon May Rut Ngoai, a small island off Phu Quoc. A speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four local crew members capsized approximately 400 meters from the shore. This unfortunate incident resulted in the deaths of 15 Indian tourists, while 17 others were rescued. Among the deceased, 10 were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala.
Of the 17 survivors, 16 have been discharged from the hospital and are also returning to India. One survivor remains in critical condition and is receiving treatment at a hospital on Phu Quoc Island. Eyewitnesses reported that some passengers were trapped inside the overturned vessel, prompting nearby tourist boats and Vietnamese rescue agencies to launch immediate search-and-rescue operations.
Investigation Underway
Vietnamese authorities have detained the speedboat operator, identified as Captain Nguyen Hong Hai, 57, and initiated a criminal investigation into the capsize. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered a thorough probe to determine the cause of the accident and ensure accountability. Investigators have examined the scene, gathered evidence, and recorded statements as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Following the tragedy, all speedboat tours to the An Thoi Archipelago off Phu Quoc Island have been temporarily suspended. Local operators and authorities have stated that services will only resume once weather conditions improve to guarantee visitor safety. Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island, is a popular tourist destination renowned for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and island-hopping excursions.