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Lava Mobiles employees among Vietnam boat tragedy victims, firm says 'saddened'
A speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members overturned about 400 meters (1,310 feet) from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island in Vietnam.
Some of the Indian tourists killed after a speedboat capsized in southern Vietnam were employees associated with Lava Mobiles, the company said in a statement issued on Saturday.
A speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members overturned about 400 meters (1,310 feet) from Hon May Rut Ngoai Island, which is near Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, state media cited the authorities as saying. 15 Indian tourists were killed in the incident, of whom 10 were residents of Tamil Nadu, three were from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala.
In a post on X after the tragedy, Lava Mobiles said it was “deeply saddened to learn about the tragic boat incident”, saying it involved some of its channel partners and team members. The company said it was in contact with the Embassy of India in Vietnam and local authorities to gather information about the safety and well-being of its employees and associates.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said the tourists were employees of the private mobile phone company taking part in an annual meeting. He wrote on social media that Indian Embassy personnel were at the scene.
‘Teams in Indian and Vietnam in contact with families’
Lava Mobiles said its teams in both India and Vietnam were in constant touch with the families of those who were onboard the speedboat.
“Our immediate priority is to extend all possible support to those affected and their families. Our teams in both India and Vietnam are in regular contact with the families and are providing all possible assistance,” the company said. It added that it was awaiting further details and updates from the authorities, and would continue to provide timely information as it is made available.
The company also shared helpline numbers for the control room established by the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City.
“Families seeking information or assistance may contact the Control Room at +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 37 14, or +84 33 452 0414,” it said. Among the tourists, 21 people were rescued, and all the dead were recovered, with the injured being taken to hospitals for treatment, authorities said. Footage shown on Vietnamese TV during rescue efforts showed rough seas and strong winds.
PM Modi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, and said he was praying for the speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment. The Prime Minister said he was “extremely saddened" by the incident, and said the Indian Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam were providing all possible assistance.
