Efforts to fly home the remains of three Andhra tourists killed in a boat accident in Vietnam

Vietnam Coast Guard Area 4 Command conducts rescue operations after tourist boat carrying Indian tourists capsized on Hon May Rut Ngoai Island off Phu Quoc Special Zone, Vietnam | Photo credit: ANI

The process of bringing the mortal remains of the victims of the Vietnam boat tragedy from Andhra Pradesh is underway, while injured tourist Gelle Kishore is steadily recovering, according to an official update from Andhra Pradesh Bhavan officials in New Delhi.

Also read | Three tourists from Andhra Pradesh among 15 Indians killed in Vietnam boat tragedy

Mr. Kishore, who sustained injuries in the incident, is being treated at a government hospital in Vietnam and is gradually recovering, officials said.

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In a significant development, the Embassy of India in Vietnam has finalized an authorized agency to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of the deceased to India and the embassy has confirmed that the repatriation process has begun.

The mandated agency is expected to contact the bereaved families today (July 12, 2026) to obtain the necessary permits required to release and transport the mortal remains to India. Once the formalities are completed, arrangements will be made to take the bodies back to their native places, officials said.

Meanwhile, the tourists who were rescued from the accident are scheduled to return to India today (July 12). They will board flights to their hometowns, with the relevant mobile service provider providing the tickets.

The remains of the 15 Indian nationals who tragically died in yesterday’s boat accident are being flown to Ho Chi Minh City and will arrive this evening.

After completing the formalities in Ho Chi Minh City, the remains will be transferred to India…

— India in Vietnam (@AmbHanoi) July 12, 2026

AP Bhavan officials said they continue to coordinate closely with the Embassy of India in Vietnam and monitor the situation closely, adding that all necessary assistance is being provided to the affected families and tourists until the safe return of all involved and the completion of the repatriation process.

All the Telugu tourists stranded on Phu Quoc Island have reached Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. It departs Hanoi at 19:05 (Local Time) on Vietnam Airlines and is expected to arrive Hyderabad around 22:00 (IST) on Sunday (12 Jul 2026).

The Embassy of India, Government of Andhra Pradesh and AP Bhavan, New Delhi are providing round-the-clock consular, logistical and repatriation assistance, officials said.

Published – 12 July 2026 11:05 AM IST