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Kollam (Kerala) [भारत]July 12 (ANI): The mortal remains of AC Thomas (57) and his wife Loveni Thomas (56), residents of Kottarakkara in Kerala's Kollam district, who died when a speedboat capsized in Vietnam, are expected to reach Mumbai airport around 10 pm on Monday. This information was given by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

The CMO said that after reaching Mumbai, the bodies will be taken to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) will coordinate the transportation of the mortal remains from the airport to the family's Kottarakkara residence.

The couple were among the Indian tourists who lost their lives when a tourist boat capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc island. He went to Vietnam last week for a holiday.

Earlier in the day, the family said they received the news of the tragedy on Saturday, leaving them in deep shock. Speaking to ANI, Nelson D Thomas, a relative of the deceased couple, said that the family is heartbroken after learning about the incident.

What did the family say?

He said, "AC Thomas and his wife went on a trip to Vietnam last week. Yesterday at 2 pm we got the news that about 15 people had died. Everyone was very shocked because they were very nice people and everyone loved them. We got a message the next day that their bodies would arrive by tomorrow or the day after."

Thomas' brother, Varghese, said the family was initially informed that the condition was critical, but later learned that both had died in the accident. He said the Indian Embassy and tour coordinators were in touch with the family regarding the incident. Varghese said, "Yesterday around 2 pm we received a call from the Indian Embassy. The tour coordinator who took them on the trip also contacted us. Initially, we were only told that the situation was critical. Later, after speaking to a person present there, we learned that both of them have passed away. We are hopeful that the bodies will be brought back by tomorrow evening. The Chief Minister and others are in touch with us and have extended their support."

The family said they are receiving support from the Kerala government and are now awaiting the arrival of the mortal remains, which are scheduled to reach India on Monday night, after which they will be taken to their hometown Kottarakkara.

15 Indians lost their lives in the accident

At least 15 people, including Indian tourists, were killed when a speedboat carrying 36 people capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc island on Saturday, according to Vietnamese newspaper VN Express. In a list of the dead, the Indian Embassy in Vietnam said 10 people from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala died in the speedboat tragedy.

According to VN Express, citing Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone officials, the speedboat operated by Ocean Pier Island Company was taking tourists from Hoan Me Rut islet to An Thoi Port, about 25 kilometers from Phu Quoc airport. At noon (local time) the boat capsized, killing all the people on board and falling into the sea. (ANI)