Four tourists rescued after being swept by strong waves in central Vietnam
VOV.VN - Four tourists, including a child, were rescued in time on the afternoon of May 1 after being swept offshore by strong waves at Cua Tung Beach in Quang Tri province, central Vietnam.
The incident occurred at around 11:00 a.m. (local time) when a group of visitors from Hanoi were swimming near the beach area. They were suddenly caught in a strong current and whirlpool-like waves, which pulled them approximately 30–40m away from shore.
Due to rough sea conditions and powerful currents, the victims quickly became exhausted and panicked, making it impossible for them to swim back.
Upon detecting the emergency, lifeguards from the Cua Tung Beach Management Board, together with local residents, immediately launched a rescue operation.
Equipped with life jackets and specialised rescue tools, the team quickly reached the victims despite strong waves and challenging sea conditions.
After around 40 minutes of intensive rescue efforts, all four tourists - three adults and one child - were safely brought back to shore.
Some of the victims showed signs of exhaustion upon reaching land and were promptly given first aid, including respiratory assistance. Their health condition has since stabilised.
Local authorities praised the quick response and bravery of both rescue personnel and residents involved in the operation. They also stressed that the incident highlights the dangers of swimming in areas with strong currents, particularly during unfavorable weather conditions.
The incident occurred during the April 30 – May 1 holiday period, when beaches across Vietnam have seen a sharp rise in tourist numbers.
Authorities warned that the risk of drowning accidents increases significantly during peak tourism seasons, especially in coastal areas with high waves and complex underwater currents.
They recommended that visitors only swim in designated areas with lifeguard supervision and avoid swimming far from shore or entering deep waters with strong currents.
Swimming in groups is encouraged to ensure timely assistance in case of emergencies. Children should always be closely supervised by adults when entering the water.
Local authorities also emphasised the importance of basic swimming skills, staying calm when caught in currents, and learning basic first aid techniques to improve survival chances in dangerous situations.