Survivors of a devastating boat capsize in Vietnamese waters have recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the tragedy. The boat, carrying 32 Indian passengers and four crew members, departed from Hòn Mây Rút Ngoái island and overturned shortly after, resulting in the loss of 15 lives. According to S.
Nirmalkumar, a survivor from Palani, the boat was rocking violently due to rough seas, and the passengers were all wearing life jackets. However, when the boat operator made a sharp turn, the weight shifted to one side, causing the boat to lose balance and capsize. Nirmalkumar described the chaotic scene, stating that the boat operator and guide jumped into the water as soon as the boat began to tilt, while he and others in the front section followed suit.
Unfortunately, those sitting at the back were trapped inside when the boat turned upside down. Nirmalkumar also shared the tragic loss of his close friend Murugaprabhu, who was sitting at the back of the boat and unable to escape. Another survivor, Ramasubbu, 51, corroborated Nirmalkumar’s account, stating that the weight shift caused the boat to capsize.
Ramasubbu also emphasized that more lives could have been saved if additional medical assistance had been available at the accident site, citing the lack of doctors and oxygen cylinders on the shore. The bodies of the deceased are scheduled to arrive in India on Monday. The incident resulted in the loss of 10 lives from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the survivors’ testimonies provide a glimpse into the chaotic and terrifying moments leading up to the capsize.
