Vietnam: 15 tourists who died in boat accident near Phu Quoc Island were on trip sponsored by Lava Mobiles

Fifteen Lava Mobiles partners and staff died after a speedboat overturned near Phu Quoc Island.
A Lava Mobiles-sponsored Vietnam trip ended in tragedy after a speedboat overturned, killing 15 people. (Image: Newsonair)

On 11th June, a foreign trip organised by Lava Mobiles for its channel partners turned tragic when a boat carrying a group of them overturned near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. Of the 15 victims who lost their lives, 14 were channel partners, while the remaining one was a team member. According to media reports, 110 Lava Mobiles distributors and employees from South India were on the visit. 10 victims were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala.

In a post on social media platform X, Lava Mobiles said, “We at Lava are deeply saddened to confirm that 14 of our channel partners and one member of our Lava team have tragically lost their lives in a boat accident earlier today near Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam.”

The company added, “Our hearts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. This is an unimaginable tragedy, and we stand with them during this time of profound grief.”

The company said that it was working closely with the Embassy of India in Vietnam and the local authorities to facilitate the earliest possible repatriation of the mortal remains. It said, “Our immediate priority is to support every affected family, and our teams in both India and Vietnam remain by their side, extending every possible assistance.”

The Managing Director (MD) of the company, Sunil Raina, quoted the company’s post and said, “I am devastated by this tragic incident in Vietnam. My heart goes out to everyone affected and to the families who are enduring this unimaginable loss. They are in my thoughts and prayers.”

He reiterated the company’s position that it was working closely with the embassy and local authorities to provide every possible support to those affected and their loved ones.

According to an employee who was a passenger on the boat and was rescued, there were 32 passengers on the speedboat. Speaking to NDTV, he said, “It was a closed boat and all 32 were inside it. Within three minutes of starting, the boat turned upside down after a strong storm hit it and flipped it over.” He added that 20 passengers who were in front managed to escape through a window, while 15 who were in the back got stuck inside and died.

Prime Minister Modi expressed grief over the accident and said, “Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic news of a boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam.

“My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers for the early recovery of the injured survivors. “Our Embassy and Consulate are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities.”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the deaths of two people from the state. Of the 33 people from Andhra Pradesh visiting Vietnam, 19 were on the boat. The remaining passengers were rescued, while one person is undergoing treatment. He directed officials to assist the survivors and arrange their return.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said state officials had been asked to coordinate with Tamil Nadu House, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Vietnam. He also directed them to provide medical assistance and expedite the repatriation of the victims’ bodies.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the deaths of two people from the state. He directed the NORKA CEO and the Kerala House Resident Commissioner to coordinate with the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs to provide immediate assistance.

What happened in Vietnam

On 11th July, a speedboat carrying tourists overturned near the popular Phu Quoc Island, prompting rescue operations and an urgent response from the Indian Embassy in the country.

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation and is in touch with local authorities. “In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam a few hours ago. Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing,” the embassy said in a post on X.

As concerns grew among families in India, the Indian Embassy announced that special control rooms had been established in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to assist relatives.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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