Survivors of Vietnam Boat Tragedy Describe Harrowing Escape After Landing in Hyderabad

A group of survivors from a boat accident in Vietnam touched down at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad on Monday, where they shared harrowing accounts of the incident that claimed 15 lives.

The tourists described the moment when their vessel suddenly capsized during what they believed was the final stretch of a safe journey. A powerful wave struck the boat without warning, sending more than 20 passengers into the water. Those positioned toward the rear of the vessel found themselves trapped beneath the overturned hull, while passengers near the front managed to swim clear and reach safety.

"We thought we were almost back to shore when it happened," one survivor recounted to journalists at the airport. The group expressed profound grief over the loss of their fellow travellers, many of whom they had watched succumb to the disaster.

The response from Vietnamese authorities proved crucial in limiting the casualty toll. Rescue personnel arrived at the scene within 10 minutes of the incident and immediately commenced operations to retrieve passengers from the water. Several individuals who had lost consciousness were brought ashore, where emergency medical teams administered CPR and successfully revived a number of them.

The survivors acknowledged the dedication of local rescue workers and the boat crew, attributing their swift and decisive action to preventing an even steeper loss of life. According to their accounts, emergency responders worked without hesitation and demonstrated remarkable efficiency in their efforts.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Vietnamese government has initiated a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the boat's capsizing.