Survivors of a deadly boat accident off Vietnam's coast returned to Hyderabad July 12. They shared chilling accounts of the incident that claimed several lives. Mahipal Sanghvi from Vijayawada was among 80 Indian tourists on the trip since July 8. He described desperate efforts to save victims brought ashore,saying,"We tried CPR,but it was too late."
The tragedy struck near Phu Quoc Island on July 11,when boat with 34 aboard capsized in rough seas. Sanghvi,who stayed behind while others went for water activities,heard the tragic news soon after. "Some of us were doing water activities while I was on the island. We then learned about the accident," he recalled.
As word spread, families gathered anxiously at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport,hoping for news of their loved ones. Many arrived long before flight landed,clinging to hope. Among the returnees were people from Andhra Pradesh,Telangana, and beyond, all part of same tour group.
Ganesh,another Hyderabad survivor, said many tourists from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were on the tour. "About 20 to 30 from Hyderabad were with us," he noted,stressing the group's close ties.
Srinivas, narrowly escaping disaster, was with a separate group of 24. He described tense moments before the accident. "We waited for our boat when the one ahead capsized. We saw the dangerous water flow," he said. He confirmed three from Andhra Pradesh and eight from Telangana returned on the same flight .
Rameshwar Pradhan,another passenger, detailed the ill-fated trip . The group of 105 was split across three boats. first boat lost control after a kilometer and overturned. "Some were rescued,but others fell in . Two are critical in a hospital," he added.
Rescue efforts kicked off quickly. Pradhan praised the rapid action by Vietnamese navy and Indian Embassy. "Injured are receiving treatment . We await more updates," he said,hoping for those still in Vietnam.
Back home, tragedy's impact hit hard . Communities mourned their losses, some victims were sole family earners. Andhra Pradesh government stepped in to support affected families .
Efforts continue for those still in Vietnam, as Indian authorities work to ensure everyone's safe return. The tragedy raises questions on safety rules for tourist activities, sparking calls for reviews to prevent future disasters…
