Kerala Mourns Couple Killed in Vietnam Boat Tragedy as Thousands Attend Funeral

Kottarakkara, Kerala, July 15, 2026: Thousands of mourners gathered in Kottarakkara on Wednesday to bid a final farewell to A.C. Thomas and his wife, Loveni Thomas, who were among the 15 Indian tourists killed in the speedboat accident off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island last week.

The funeral service for Avicot Cheriyan Thomas, 57, and Loveni Thomas, 56, was held at the Jubilee Mandiram Chapel of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church before they were laid to rest at the church cemetery. Family members, friends, neighbours, public representatives and community leaders attended the service, paying tribute to a couple widely remembered for their generosity and community service.

A.C. Thomas and Loveni had left Kerala on July 7 as part of a holiday group, travelling via Chennai to Vietnam. They were among 32 Indian tourists aboard a speedboat returning from an island excursion near Phu Quoc Island when the vessel capsized about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai Island. The accident claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists.

Following rescue and recovery operations by Vietnamese authorities, the mortal remains of the victims were repatriated to India with the assistance of the Indian Embassy in Vietnam. The bodies of Thomas and Loveni arrived at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Tuesday, where they were received by family members, government officials and public representatives before being taken to their hometown.

On Wednesday morning, the bodies were placed at the Jubilee Mandiram Chapel to allow members of the public to pay their last respects. Long queues of mourners formed outside the church as thousands visited to offer prayers and condolences.

Among those attending the funeral were Members of Parliament N.K. Premachandran and Kodikunnil Suresh, along with political, social and religious leaders.

A.C. Thomas, proprietor of Victory Medicals in Kottarakkara, was widely known for his compassionate approach towards customers and employees. Friends and colleagues described him as a businessman who treated people with respect and kindness. Loveni was remembered for her quiet involvement in charitable and community initiatives.

Speaking after the funeral, Premachandran said the couple had earned widespread affection through their social commitment and willingness to help those in need.

The tragedy has also prompted calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Public representatives urged the Government of India to engage with Vietnamese authorities to ensure that the inquiry establishes whether any safety lapses contributed to the disaster.

Vietnamese authorities have already ordered an official investigation into the accident, while Indian diplomatic officials continue to coordinate with local authorities regarding the incident.

The deaths of A.C. Thomas and Loveni have left a deep sense of loss in Kottarakkara, where they are remembered not only for their professional and social contributions but also for the compassion and service that marked their lives.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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