A couple from Kollam are among the 15 Indian tourists who tragically lost their lives after a speed boat capsized near Vietnam’s popular Phu Quoc Island. The deceased have been identified as A.C. Thomas, 57, and his wife Loveny Thomas, 56, both residents of Kottarakkara. The couple had left Kerala on July 7 for a holiday in Vietnam as part of a group tour. Family members said that the couple had been in constant touch with them right up until the day of the tragedy.

The mishap occurred on Saturday afternoon. Caught in sudden rough seas and buffeted by strong winds, the vessel reportedly lost control and capsized just 400 meters away from the shore. According to local authorities, the sea was extremely turbulent and the overturned vessel trapped many passengers underneath. There were 36 people on board, including 32 Indian tourists and four crew members. Local rescue teams and nearby tourist boats managed to pull 21 survivors from the water.

Following the incident, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has directed the NORKA Roots CEO to coordinate with the Vietnamese Embassy for further updates. The Chief Minister’s Office is also in direct communication with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while the Kerala House Resident Commissioner in New Delhi has been tasked with tracking the Central government’s coordination. Meanwhile, MP Kodikunnil Suresh said that he has requested the Indian Ambassador to Vietnam to take swift measures to bring the bodies of the deceased couple to Kerala as soon as possible, confirming that the consulate is extending all necessary bureaucratic support to the grieving families.

Published - July 11, 2026 09:34 pm IST