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The mortal remains of a couple from Kerala who lost their lives in the tragic boat capsize incident in Vietnam reached Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Tuesday morning.
A C Thomas (57) and his wife, Loveni Thomas (56), from Kottarakkara, were among the 15 Indian tourists killed in a speedboat capsizing incident off Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam on July 11. Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh was present at the airport to oversee the handover and offer his support to the bereaved families. Speaking to mediapersons, Suresh stated that the bodies have been cleared for transport to their native village, where the final rites are expected to be conducted on Wednesday. "Fifteen people died. Among the 15, two were from Kerala...their bodies have already reached Trivandrum and are on the way to Kottarakkara, their native place. Tomorrow is the funeral," the MP said. Raising serious concerns over the safety standards of the tourist boat involved in the mishap, the Congress MP alleged that basic security protocols were ignored. "This incident is raising so many questions because this boat's safety and security were totally neglected. Basic preliminary security was not provided in those boats. I request the Minister of External Affairs to have a detailed discussion with the Vietnam government for a proper inquiry," Suresh added. He further demanded that the families of the deceased be provided with adequate financial support. "Sufficient compensation should be given to the families of those who died in this tragedy," he asserted. The mortal remains of the victims of the Vietnam boat tragedy were brought to Mumbai early this monring aboard Vietnam Airlines flight VN979. After arriving at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the bodies were transported to their respective hometowns in coordination with the concerned state governments for final rites. The mortal remains of the other deceased also reached Hyderabad in Telangana and Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The tragedy struck on July 11 when a tourist speedboat carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members, capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island. According to Vietnamese authorities, the vessel, operated by Ocean Pearl Island Company, was ferrying tourists from Hon May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port, around 25 kilometres from Phu Quoc Airport, when it encountered rough weather and overturned, throwing everyone on board into the sea. Nearby tourist boats rushed to the accident site within minutes, and rescue teams subsequently brought all passengers ashore. Of the 36 people on board, 21 survived while 15 tourists lost their lives. Ten of the victims were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Keralam. One person is being treated at a hospital in Ho Chin Minh city of Vietnam. (ANI)
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