KOLLAM: A couple from Kottarakkara died in the tourist boat accident off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island on Saturday. The deceased were identified as A C Thomas, 57, and his wife, Loveni Thomas, 56, residents near Market Junction in Kottarakkara. Thomas was the owner of Victory Medicals in the town.
The couple had left for Chennai on July 7 before flying to Vietnam on July 8 as part of a tour. They were among the Indian tourists on board the vessel that capsized near Phu Quoc Island.
According to reports, the boat was carrying 32 Indian tourists along with crew members when it overturned, leaving several dead and injured. Rescue operations were launched by the Vietnamese authorities, while the cause of the accident is under investigation.
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam is coordinating with the Vietnamese authorities to complete the legal and administrative formalities required for the repatriation of the mortal remains. The embassy has also assured all necessary consular assistance to the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, the Kerala government has initiated efforts to obtain further information about the incident. Chief Minister V D Satheesan has directed the NORKA CEO to contact the Indian Embassy in Vietnam, while the Chief Minister’s Office is in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs. The Resident Commissioner of Kerala House has also been entrusted with coordinating the follow-up measures.
Meanwhile, MP Kodikunnil Suresh, spoke to the Indian Ambassador in Vietnam and urged the embassy to expedite the process of bringing the bodies back to Kerala. In a communication to the MP, Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Tshering W Sherpa said the Embassy would facilitate the earliest possible repatriation of the mortal remains to India. He added that teams from the Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City had reached Phu Quoc to coordinate assistance, while assuring all necessary support to the bereaved families.
Labour Minister Bindu Krishna visited the house of the deceased on Saturday and expressed her condolences.