Vietnam Boat Tragedy: Pall of Gloom Over Families in Machilipatnam and Kadapa
Authorities are repatriating the victims as one injured survivor continues treatment in Vietnam.
Vijayawada: The tragic speedboat accident off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island has cast a shadow of grief over families in Machilipatnam, Sri Sathya Sai and Kadapa districts, even as the authorities are working to bring the mortal remains of the three Andhra Pradesh tourists back to India and provide assistance to the bereaved.
Among the victims were Gelli Jaya Lakshmi of Machilipatnam, Mudiam Sreedhar of Kadapa and Nallapeta Adiseshaiah Raviteja of Sri Sathya Sai district, who lost their lives in the mishap. Jaya Lakshmi's husband, Gelli Kishore, sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Vietnam. Officials expect Jaya Lakshmi's mortal remains to reach Vijayawada by Monday evening before being handed over to the family.
The couple was living near the Kanchi Kamakshamma Temple at Circlepeta in Machilipatnam. Kishore has been operating a pan shop and working as a dealer for cellular companies for the past 30 years.
The accident occurred near Hon May Rut in the An Thoi archipelago on Saturday when a tourist speedboat carrying visitors capsized after being caught in sudden strong winds and rough seas triggered by adverse weather. Vietnamese authorities said 32 people, including tourists from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, died in the tragedy.
The postmortem of Mudiam Sreedhar was completed in Vietnam. According to officials, his body is expected to be flown to Chennai by Tuesday evening before being transported to Kadapa. Kadapa collector Dr Cherukuri Sridhar said a district-level official had been deputed to coordinate the process and assist the family.
The mortal remains of Nallapeta Adiseshaiah Ravi Teja are also being repatriated after the completion of formalities by the Indian Embassy and the Vietnamese authorities.
Jaya Lakshmi and Kishore had travelled to Vietnam three days earlier as part of an overseas incentive tour organised by Lava Mobiles for its business partners and dealers. Kishore, who suffered critical injuries in the accident, was revived through emergency CPR and is undergoing advanced treatment at a hospital in Vietnam.
The couple's son, Akash, appealed to Krishna district collector D.K. Balaji to expedite the return of his mother's mortal remains and facilitate his father's safe return to India. He had spoken to his parents on Saturday morning.
The couple lived near the Kanchi Kamakshamma Temple at Circlepeta in Machilipatnam. Locals said Kishore had earned a name as a pan shop and cellular shop owner and maintained cordial relations with the public. They expressed grief over Jaya Lakshmi's death and prayed for Kishore's speedy recovery.
Following a request from former Krishna District Chamber of Commerce president Mamidi Muralikrishna, the collector took up the matter with officials of the Indian Embassy, which is coordinating with the Vietnamese authorities to complete the formalities.
Minister Kollu Ravindra visited Kishore's relatives' residence at Moghalrajpuram in Vijayawada and consoled the bereaved family. He assured them that Kishore was receiving the best possible medical care and said Education Minister Nara Lokesh had also intervened with the Indian Embassy to ensure all necessary assistance.
Revenue officials visited Sreedhar's residence to offer condolences, while relatives and well-wishers continued to gather at the grieving household.
