On Wednesday morning, bodies of 16 out of 39 Vietnamese nationals found dead in Essex, the UK were repatriated to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Remains of 16 victims arrived at Noi Bai International Airport on Wednesday morning. Photo: MOFA

The bodies have been handed over to representatives of Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Quang Binh provinces to bring them home.

The bodies will be transported to Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Quang Binh. Photo: MOFA

Vietnamese and British authorities have cooperated to make the repatriation in line with international law and suitable with each country’s customs and to support the families as much as possible, the MOFA said in a statement on Wednesday.

The two sides continue to bring the remaining bodies home soon, it said.

The bodies were handed over to local authorities. Photo: MOFA

Families of the victims have to pay all expenses which are estimated to reach EUR1,370 (US$1,509) and EUR2,208 (US$2,432) for repatriating ashes and a body, respectively. The fees are 50% lower than the actual cost, according to local media.

MOFA Deputy Minister Bui Thanh Son said last week that the government would pay in advance for the repatriation and the families have to repay the government later.

The victims were found dead in a refrigerated truck in Essex on October 23.