VIJAYAWADA: Three tourists from Andhra Pradesh died when a tourist speedboat capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam on Saturday. The victims were identified as Gelli Jayalakshmi of Machilipatnam, M Srihari of Kadapa, and Nallapeta Ravi Teja of Hindupur.
Around 32 tourists were travelling on the ill-fated boat when it capsized near Hon May Rut in the An Thoi archipelago, a popular tourist destination off Phu Quoc Island. The vessel reportedly lost stability and capsized as it encountered rough sea conditions, including high waves and strong winds.
Vietnamese authorities, along with rescue teams, rushed to the spot after receiving information about the boat capsize. Several people were rescued and shifted to nearby medical facilities, while efforts are underway to trace the missing persons.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed profound grief over the boat capsize, and sought details of relief measures being provided to the victims and the condition of tourists. He directed officials to take immediate steps to facilitate the safe return of those who survived the accident to Andhra Pradesh.
‘Extend help to all affected tourists and their families’
He also asked them to speak to the families of the three deceased persons, and extend necessary assistance to them.
Naidu directed officials at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi to coordinate closely with the Vietnamese authorities, and the Indian embassy in Vietnam to provide all required support to the affected tourists and their families.
RTGS Command and Control Centre at the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat is closely monitoring the developments. RTGS officials are maintaining close coordination with the Indian embassy in Vietnam, AP Bhavan, New Delhi, the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRT), and the authorities in Vietnam to facilitate timely assistance to the affected families.
HRD Minister Nara Lokesh spoke to senior officials at AP Bhavan regarding the boat capsize in Vietnam. Officials informed Lokesh that they are in touch with the Indian embassy in Vietnam regarding the incident. YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed profound grief over the tragic boat accident at Halong Bay in Vietnam.