‘He said he’d be back next week’: Family shares Andhra Pradesh victim’s final call before Vietnam boat tragedy | Vijayawada News
HINDUPURAM: The family of Ravi Teja, one of the victims of the Vietnam tourist boat tragedy, recalled his final video calls in which he enthusiastically shared moments from his holiday, just hours before the accident claimed his life.Ravi Teja, owner of Lucky Lava Mobile Store in Hindupur of Andhra Pradesh‘s Sri Sathya Sai district, had spoken to his wife, two daughters and mother before boarding the ill-fated tourist boat.His family said he remained cheerful and excited throughout his trip to Vietnam, news agency ANI reported.According to the family, Ravi Teja made a video call to his wife, Vedha Shri, and daughters, Sahasra and Sloka, on Friday night.During the conversation, he happily spoke about his vacation, showed them the places he had visited, and assured them that he was enjoying the trip.On Saturday morning, he spoke to his mother, Sandhya Rani, for nearly 30 minutes.During the call, he showed her the scenic spots he had visited and also gave her a glimpse of the boat journey.The family said he appeared happy and excited throughout the conversation.A few hours later, the tourist boat met with an accident. The family initially hoped Ravi Teja had survived, but later received confirmation of his death, leaving them devastated.His daughter, Sahasra, recalled their final conversation and said, “He spoke to me on a video call last Friday night. He told me he would be back next Wednesday, urged me to attend the program, and said to study well. We were expecting him to return.”His wife, Vedha Shri, said Ravi Teja spent around 15 to 20 minutes speaking to the family over a video call.She said, “He called us yesterday, Friday evening. He spoke with the three of us for about 15 to 20 minutes. He showed us everything there and talked. He showed us how beautiful everything was, like this and like that.”His younger daughter, Sloka, also remembered the call, saying, “He made a video call on Friday evening and showed us everything. He also mentioned chocolates.”Ravi Teja’s mother, Sandhya Rani, said she had spoken to him for nearly 30 minutes on Saturday morning before he left for the boat trip.Recalling their last conversation, she said, “He called on Saturday at 8. 00am. People were calling him. When they called, he said, ‘Mother, I’ll call you back.’ He called again later. He said, ‘We’ll be leaving in 15 minutes.’ That was the last time.”As efforts to repatriate the victims continued, Ravi Teja’s mortal remains were officially handed over to his family by government authorities earlier on Tuesday.Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the second flight from Bengaluru carrying the mortal remains of three other victims of the Vietnam boat tragedy arrived at Coimbatore Airport on Tuesday.The flight carried the mortal remains of Senthilkumar from Pappirettipatti in Dharmapuri district, Muruga Prabhu from Palani in Dindigul district, and Sridhar from Salem district.Ambulances were stationed at the airport to transport the bodies to their respective hometowns after the completion of necessary formalities.Salem RDO G Udhayakumar, Palani RDO L Prabhu, Dharmapuri tahsildar A Chinna and Coimbatore South RDO Maruthi Priya were present at the Airport Cargo Complex when the flight arrived.(With agency inputs)
