Senior Congress leader and former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on Saturday stated that Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed deep concern over the tragic speedboat capsize near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island, which claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists. Khurshid expressed hope that the Central Government would take Gandhi's appeal with the utmost seriousness.
Rahul Gandhi's appeal for relief efforts
Speaking to ANI, Khurshid said Rahul Gandhi had already urged the government to make every possible effort to provide relief to those affected by the tragedy. "He (Rahul Gandhi) has already communicated and conveyed his deep concern about the unfortunate incident that has happened. He has also requested the government to do everything possible to provide relief as quickly as possible. We all obviously support what Mr Gandhi has already said, and we hope that his words and message will be taken with the utmost seriousness by the government," Khurshid said.
Gandhi's social media post on the tragedy
Gandhi expressed grief over the boat capsize in a post on X, extending condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and expressing concern for those still missing. "Deeply saddened by the tragic boat capsizing near Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, carrying Indian tourists. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. My thoughts are also with those who are still missing, and with their families enduring an agonising wait," Gandhi posted on X.
He also urged the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs to work closely with the Vietnamese authorities to ensure that every possible effort is made in the ongoing rescue operations and that all necessary assistance is extended to the affected families. "I urge the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs to work closely with the Vietnamese authorities to ensure that every possible effort is made in the ongoing rescue operations and that all necessary assistance is extended to the affected families," Gandhi added.
Details of the incident
Earlier on Saturday, a tourist speedboat carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island off Phu Quoc. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam later confirmed that all 15 people killed in the accident were Indian tourists. The remaining passengers were rescued, and authorities are continuing search operations for any missing individuals.
The incident has sparked widespread concern in India, with political leaders and the public expressing solidarity with the victims' families. The Ministry of External Affairs has been coordinating with Vietnamese authorities to provide consular assistance and facilitate the repatriation of the deceased.
