In the tranquil rural landscapes of northern Vietnam, two communities are holding their collective breath as search efforts intensify for missing residents, each story marked by urgency, heartbreak, and the tireless dedication of local authorities and families. Over the past several days, both Ninh Bình and Thanh Hóa provinces have become the focus of dramatic rescue operations, underscoring the unpredictable dangers that can arise from everyday activities in these regions.
According to Dân trí, the village of Đồng Ao in Tân Thanh commune, Ninh Bình province, was shaken on August 20, 2025, when Mrs. Trần Thị Vân, a 46-year-old woman who lived alone, failed to return home after setting off at dawn to gather snails in the mountains—a routine she had followed for years. The mountain, situated about five kilometers from her home, was a familiar destination for Mrs. Vân, who, according to Tiền Phong, often ventured out alone without a mobile phone, carrying only a bag for her catch. Yet, on that day, she simply vanished.
As dusk fell and Mrs. Vân remained absent, anxiety grew among her family. Her brother-in-law and his wife, realizing something was amiss, mobilized a search and promptly alerted local authorities. By the evening of August 20, the small community had rallied, with about 30 people—including commune police, security forces, local militia, and family members—fanning out across the rugged terrain in hopes of finding any trace of Mrs. Vân.
The search, however, proved daunting. The team scoured the steep, rocky hills and reviewed footage from security cameras positioned along suspected routes, but no clues surfaced. As night fell on August 21, the combination of darkness and treacherous terrain forced the team to temporarily suspend their efforts. "The mountainous terrain is high and dangerous, and it became too dark to continue safely," the Chairman of the Tân Thanh People’s Committee told Tiền Phong. "We had to pause the search overnight but resumed at first light, bringing in more people and expanding the search area."
By August 22, the urgency had only grown. The search team, now numbering nearly 30, pressed deeper into the vast hills. Still, as of 2:30 p.m. that day, there was no sign of Mrs. Vân. The uncertainty has left her family and neighbors deeply unsettled, as they cling to hope for her safe return. The authorities, for their part, have pledged to continue the search with all available resources, vowing not to give up until answers are found.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Thanh Hóa province, another community has been grappling with tragedy of its own. On the afternoon of August 21, a group of seven male students aged 14 to 16 from Hoàng Sơn commune set off on electric bicycles, eager for a day of swimming at the Flamingo Hải Tiến tourist area in Hoàng Tiến commune. What began as a carefree summer outing soon took a harrowing turn.
According to Sức khỏe & Đời sống, at approximately 3:40 p.m., three of the boys—T.M.Đ. (born 2010), N.Đ.T. (born 2010), and L.V.S. (born 2009)—were caught by powerful waves and swept far from shore. Local rescue teams and bystanders sprang into action, managing to save N.Đ.T. and bring him safely to land. But for T.M.Đ. and L.V.S., the situation grew increasingly dire.
As daylight faded, searchers redoubled their efforts. At around 8 p.m., authorities located the body of T.M.Đ. near Bụt Gate, roughly 500 meters from the original drowning site, and returned him to his grieving family. The search for L.V.S., however, continued into the night and through the next morning. By 8:30 a.m. on August 22, there was still no trace of the missing boy, despite the relentless efforts of rescue workers and local volunteers.
These twin crises have thrown a spotlight on the risks that can lurk in even the most routine activities—whether it’s a solitary trip to the mountains for snails or a group swim in the sea. For Mrs. Vân, the mountains had long been a place of quiet labor and self-sufficiency. For the boys in Thanh Hóa, the beach was a backdrop for youthful adventure. Yet both settings, under the wrong circumstances, became the stage for sudden peril.
The emotional toll on the families and communities involved is palpable. In Ninh Bình, Mrs. Vân’s solitary lifestyle and familiar routine make her disappearance all the more mysterious and distressing. Neighbors recall her as someone who always returned by nightfall, never straying far from her usual path. "She had no husband or children and had been living alone for many years," noted a family member to Tiền Phong. "She would go to the mountains for snails and always came back the same day." Her absence has left a void that grows with each passing hour.
In Thanh Hóa, the tragedy has reverberated through the tight-knit community of Hoàng Sơn commune, where classmates, friends, and families are reeling from the sudden loss. The swift action of local rescue teams and villagers in saving one boy is a testament to the community’s solidarity, but the pain of loss and uncertainty lingers. "If the currents are normal, the victim will be pushed toward the old Hậu Lộc district," a local resident explained to Sức khỏe & Đời sống, reflecting the hard-won knowledge of those who live by the sea.
Local authorities in both provinces have emphasized their commitment to ongoing search and rescue efforts, drawing on every available resource and expertise. In Ninh Bình, the search for Mrs. Vân continues to expand, with additional personnel and wider coverage of the mountainous area. In Thanh Hóa, rescue teams remain vigilant, scanning the coastline and coordinating with local fishermen and residents in hopes of finding L.V.S. or providing closure to his family.
These incidents have also prompted broader conversations about safety in rural and coastal Vietnam. While the mountains and seas are sources of livelihood and recreation, they can also present hidden dangers—especially in the absence of safety nets like mobile phones, lifeguards, or reliable communication infrastructure. The stories of Mrs. Vân and the students in Thanh Hóa serve as poignant reminders of the need for heightened awareness, preparedness, and community support in the face of such risks.
As search efforts continue, the people of Ninh Bình and Thanh Hóa remain united in hope and determination, refusing to let uncertainty give way to despair. Their resolve is a quiet testament to the strength of community bonds—a force as enduring as the mountains and as persistent as the tides.
