AP Govt steps up assistance after Vietnam boat tragedy

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Andhra Pradesh government has intensified relief and coordination efforts following the tragic tourist boat accident in Vietnam that claimed the lives of three residents of the state. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday directed officials to expedite the repatriation of the mortal remains and ensure comprehensive support to the bereaved families.

Reviewing the situation with senior officials, the Chief Minister instructed authorities to closely coordinate with the Embassy of India in Vietnam, the AP Bhavan in New Delhi, and the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu (APNRT) Society until the victims are brought home safely. He emphasized that the state government must extend every possible assistance to the affected families during this difficult time.

The accident occurred near Phu Quoc Island during a recreational trip organized by a leading mobile phone company for its distributors and their families. Of the 32 people onboard, 15 Indian tourists lost their lives, including three from Andhra Pradesh.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the Indian Embassy has appointed a specialized agency to facilitate the repatriation process. Travel arrangements have been finalized through the e-Care portal, with the mortal remains of Nallapeta Adiseshaiah Ravi Teja to be transported to Bengaluru, Gelli Jaya Lakshmi to Vijayawada, and Mudium Sreedhar to Chennai. Flight schedules are expected to be communicated shortly.

The government also reviewed the condition of Gelli Kishore, the lone Andhra Pradesh survivor who sustained critical injuries in the accident. During his transfer from Phu Quoc Government Hospital, Kishore developed serious medical complications and remained unconscious in the Intensive Care Unit on advanced life support. Medical investigations revealed a small blood clot in the brain, followed by a mild cardiac episode, necessitating an emergency cardiac procedure. Doctors plan to airlift him to Ho Chi Minh City for advanced treatment once his condition stabilizes.

The Chief Minister directed officials to maintain constant contact with Kishore’s family and ensure uninterrupted medical assistance. State Minister Kollu Ravindra has spoken with the victim’s cousin, who is at the hospital, while the Indian Ambassador continues to monitor the treatment in coordination with Vietnamese authorities. The Vietnamese Minister also visited the hospital to review Kishore’s condition.

Meanwhile, all Telugu tourists who survived the tragedy have safely reached Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and are scheduled to return to Hyderabad aboard a Vietnam Airlines flight.

The AP government activated its Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) Command and Control Centre immediately after the incident. Operating round the clock, RTGS is coordinating with the Indian Embassy, AP Bhavan, APNRT and Vietnamese authorities to facilitate the return of survivors, repatriate the deceased, and provide continuous support to affected families.

Earlier, Minister Nara Lokesh also spoke with officials at the Indian Embassy in Vietnam, directing them to extend all possible assistance and ensure that relief measures are carried out without delay. The state government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the victims’ families until the entire repatriation process is completed.