The mortal remains of a Kerala couple who lost their lives in the tragic boat capsizing incident in Vietnam were brought to Thiruvananthapuram. MP Kodikunnil Suresh has raised questions on security standards and demanded an investigation from the Vietnamese government and compensation for the victims.
The mortal remains of a Kerala couple, who lost their lives in the tragic boat capsizing incident in Vietnam, arrived at the 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 when a speedboat capsized near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island on July 11.
Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh was present at the airport to extend his support to the bereaved families and oversee the process of handing over the bodies. Speaking to media persons, Suresh said that clearance has been given to take the bodies to their native village, where the last rites are expected to be performed on Wednesday.
“Fifteen people died. Of these 15, two were from Kerala… Their bodies have already reached Trivandrum and are on the way to their native place Kottarakkara. The last rites will be held tomorrow,” the MP said.
MP raised questions on security and demanded compensation
The Congress MP expressed serious concern over the safety standards of the tourist boat involved in the accident, alleging that basic safety protocols were ignored. Suresh said, “This incident is raising many questions because the safety of this boat was completely ignored. Basic safety precautions were not provided in those boats. I request the External Affairs Minister to have a detailed discussion with the Government of Vietnam for a proper investigation.”
He further demanded that adequate financial assistance be provided to the families of the deceased. “Adequate compensation should be given to the families of those killed in this tragedy,” he stressed.
Vietnam boat accident: 15 Indians died
The mortal remains of the victims of the Vietnam boat tragedy were brought to Mumbai this morning on Vietnam Airlines flight VN979. After reaching the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the bodies were sent to their hometowns in coordination with the respective state governments for the last rites. The mortal remains of other deceased also reached Hyderabad in Telangana and Chennai in Tamil Nadu.
The tragedy occurred on July 11 when a tourist speedboat carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members, capsized near Hoan Me Rut Ngoi island near Phu Quoc island of Vietnam. According to Vietnamese authorities, the boat, operated by Ocean Pearl Island Company, was carrying tourists from Hoan Me Rut islet to An Thoi port, about 25 kilometers from Phu Quoc airport, when it ran aground in bad weather and capsized, throwing everyone on board into the sea.
Nearby tourist boats reached the crash site within minutes and rescue teams later brought all passengers to shore. Of the 36 people on the boat, 21 survived, while 15 tourists lost their lives. Ten of the victims were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala. One person is undergoing treatment in a hospital in Ho Chi Minh city of Vietnam. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)