Families of the Indians who lost their lives in the Vietnam boat tragedy have appealed to the Tamil Nadu and Central governments to expedite the repatriation of the victims’ bodies.
The accident occurred off Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, claiming the lives of 15 Indians. Among the victims were 10 people from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala.
Relatives of 54-year-old Shaikh Abdullah Abdul Majeed, a mobile phone dealer from Tamil Nadu, urged both the state government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure his body is brought home as soon as possible.
Speaking to reporters, a family member said they were informed about the accident on Saturday afternoon and later received confirmation of Majeed’s death. They recalled that he had called home before boarding the boat, informing his family that he was travelling to an island where mobile connectivity would be limited. Tragically, that was his final conversation with them.
Majeed, who is survived by a son and daughter, had travelled to Vietnam on an incentive trip sponsored by a mobile phone company. According to his family, he usually avoided overseas travel and had initially planned to send his son in his place before deciding to make the trip himself.
The family of another victim, 44-year-old Muruga Prabhu Arumugam from Palani, also appealed for the early return of his remains. His brother said Tamil Nadu ministers V. Sampath Kumar and K. Vignesh had contacted the family and assured them of all possible assistance.
Authorities are coordinating efforts to repatriate the bodies as grieving families continue to await the return of their loved ones.
