Indian Tourists Stranded in Vietnam Return to Hyderabad After Tragic Boat Incident
Several Indian tourists, who found themselves stranded in Vietnam following a tragic incident, arrived back in Hyderabad on the night of July 12, 2026. The group experienced a harrowing event off the coast of Phu Quoc Island, where a boat capsized, resulting in multiple casualties.
Mahipal Sanghvi, a survivor from Vijayawada, shared his experience as he landed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA). “We tried administering CPR to them, but it was too late,” he recounted, reflecting on the desperate attempts to save fellow tourists who had been rescued from the water but ultimately succumbed to the tragedy.
Tourists from various states including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were among those who returned on Sunday night. Families had gathered at the airport hours before the flight’s arrival, filled with anxiety and concern for their loved ones.
Sanghvi noted that he was part of a group of around 80 tourists who had traveled to Vietnam on July 8, arriving at Phu Quoc Island just three days later. “Some group members participated in water activities, while I stayed on the island. Shortly after, we received news of a boat accident. Rescue teams brought those who had fallen into the water back, but efforts to revive them were sadly unsuccessful,” he narrated.
Another survivor, Ganesh from Hyderabad, indicated that there was a substantial contingent of tourists from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in their tour group. “About 20 to 30 people from Hyderabad were part of the overall group,” he noted, adding that the Andhra Pradesh government’s prompt support following the tragedy provided a sense of reassurance.
Srinivas, hailing from West Godavari district, shared that he was part of a separate group of 24 tourists who narrowly avoided the disaster. “We were waiting for our boat when the accident happened to the boat ahead of us. We saw the dangerous flow of water,” he explained.
He confirmed that among those who returned on the same flight were three passengers from Andhra Pradesh and eight from Telangana. Another passenger, Rameshwar Pradhan, highlighted that their tour group consisted of 105 members and that they had planned to visit multiple islands. He mentioned that the first boat, carrying 34 people, lost control in rough waters about one kilometer from shore, leading to its capsizing.
Pradhan stated that rescue operations were initiated immediately after the incident. “The Vietnamese naval team responded promptly, and the Indian Embassy provided essential assistance. The injured are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital, and we are hopeful for further updates,” he added.
Overall, 17 members of the tour group made it back on the flight that landed in Hyderabad, while efforts to aid those still in Vietnam are ongoing, underscoring the collaborative rescue and support initiatives by both Indian and Vietnamese authorities.
