Vietnam MFA Sets Up Two Working Groups for Victim Families
The Vietnamese government has constituted two working groups to assist families of victims killed in the Phu Quoc boat capsize tragedy. These groups will coordinate with the People's Committee of An Giang Province, the Phu Quoc Special Zone, relevant agencies, the Embassy of Vietnam in India, the Embassy of India in Hanoi, and the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City to expedite consular and citizen protection work and facilitate early repatriation of the remains of the 15 deceased tourists.
Following the tragic speedboat accident on July 11, 2026, which claimed the lives of 15 Indian nationals, Vietnam launched a comprehensive relief and coordination effort. A delegation from Tamil Nadu will also be received by the working groups.
Remains Transferred to Ho Chi Minh City Forensic Medicine Centre
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of External Relations coordinated with competent authorities to transfer the remains to the Ho Chi Minh City Forensic Medicine Centre for reception, storage, and preservation. The department assigned officers on round-the-clock duty and established two working groups responsible for legal assistance and receiving victims' families. It also coordinated with the Ministry of Public Security on entry procedures for representatives of the Tamil Nadu State Government traveling to Vietnam to act on behalf of families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Vietnam affirmed close cooperation with local authorities and Indian diplomatic missions to provide necessary consular assistance and protection.
Official Statement Details Government Response
In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam outlined the ongoing response: "Regarding the speedboat accident caused by adverse weather conditions in Phu Quoc on 11 July 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam has been working closely with the People's Committee of An Giang Province, the Phu Quoc Special Zone, relevant competent authorities, the Embassy of India in Ha Noi, and the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City to urgently undertake necessary consular assistance and protection measures."
Immediately after the incident, the ministry sent diplomatic notes to the Embassy of India in Hanoi and the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, while the Embassy of Vietnam in India notified the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
Condolences and High-Level Coordination
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Le Hoai Trung sent condolences to Minister of External Affairs of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and the victims' families, affirming that the government directed competent authorities to take all necessary measures to assist those affected. He instructed relevant departments and Vietnam's representative missions in India to coordinate closely with Indian diplomatic missions and relevant agencies to provide timely assistance and address the consequences.
A dedicated delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, alongside leadership from the Consular Department and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of External Relations, was dispatched directly to the site. The delegation coordinates with local authorities and Indian diplomatic staff to manage recovery and provide procedural guidance for funeral arrangements and repatriation of remains.
Legal Assistance and Financial Support
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of External Relations facilitated remains transfer to the forensic medicine centre for professional storage and preservation. The department assigned officers on round-the-clock duty and established two working groups for legal assistance and receiving victims' families. It also coordinated with the Ministry of Public Security on entry procedures for Tamil Nadu government representatives.
The Ambassador of India to Vietnam noted that India's senior leadership is closely monitoring the situation and expressed profound gratitude to the government and local authorities of Vietnam. The Ambassador stated that he "highly valued and conveyed deep gratitude to the competent authorities of Viet Nam, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the local authorities for their timely and responsible handling of the incident, as well as for the decision to provide financial assistance to those affected."
Ongoing Coordination and Repatriation Efforts
In the coming days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam will continue coordinating with the People's Committee of An Giang Province, the Phu Quoc Special Zone, relevant agencies, the Embassy of Vietnam in India, the Embassy of India in Hanoi, and the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City to closely follow developments, urgently carry out consular and citizen protection work, and facilitate early repatriation of remains to India in accordance with families' wishes.
Earlier, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu intervened to facilitate early repatriation. District Collectors furnished details of designated recipients. According to Andhra Pradesh Bhavan special commissioner Arja Srikanth, a detailed request was submitted through the e-Care portal to transport Nallapeta Adiseshaiah Ravi Teja to Bengaluru, Gelli Jaya Lakshmi to Vijayawada, and Mudium Sreedhar to Chennai. The Embassy of India finalized the travel plan, and flight schedules will be communicated later.
Survivor in Critical Condition
The survivor, Gelli Kishore, developed critical complications during transfer from Phu Quoc Government Hospital, necessitating postponement of his transfer. He remains unconscious in the ICU on advanced life support.
A local man from southern An Giang province has been detained for alleged legal violations tied to the boat capsize, according to VN Express International. The detainee was identified as Captain Nguyen Hong Hai, 57, a resident of Thuan Tien hamlet, Son Kien commune, An Giang province, temporarily staying in the Phu Quoc special zone. The investigation is ongoing to ensure any violations are strictly dealt with under Vietnamese law.
The tourist speedboat carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island off Phu Quoc. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam confirmed that all 15 people killed were Indian tourists.
