Vietnam boat tragedy: Mortal remains of Kerala couple to reach India on Monday

Thiruvananthapuram: The mortal remains of a Kerala couple who died in the tourist speedboat accident near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island are expected to arrive in India on Monday night, with the Kerala government making arrangements to transport them to their hometown in Kollam.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the bodies of AC Thomas (57) and his wife Loveni Thomas (56), natives of Kottarakkara in Kollam district, are scheduled to arrive at Mumbai Airport at around 10 pm. They will then be flown to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, from where the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) Department will coordinate the transportation of the mortal remains to the family's residence.

The couple were among the Indian tourists killed after a tourist speedboat carrying 36 people capsized near Phu Quoc Island on Saturday. They had travelled to Vietnam last week on a vacation.

Family members said they were informed about the tragedy on Saturday afternoon. Initially, they were told that a serious accident had occurred involving the tourist group, before later receiving confirmation that both Thomas and Loveni had died.

Speaking about the incident, relatives said the news came as a devastating shock. They said the Indian Embassy in Vietnam and the tour coordinator remained in contact with the family, providing updates on the accident and the repatriation process.

Thomas' brother, Varghese, said the Kerala government had extended all necessary support and that Chief Minister and officials had been in touch with the family. He added that they are now awaiting the arrival of the mortal remains so the last rites can be performed in their hometown.

The CMO said NORKA has been entrusted with coordinating the final leg of the transportation from Thiruvananthapuram airport to Kottarakkara.

According to the Embassy of India in Vietnam, 15 people, including Indian tourists, lost their lives in the accident. The deceased include 10 tourists from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala.

Vietnamese authorities said the speedboat, operated by Ocean Pear Island Company, was ferrying tourists from Hon May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port when it overturned in rough waters near Phu Quoc Island, throwing all passengers into the sea. Rescue operations were launched immediately after the accident.

With ANI inputs