On the afternoon of June 17, 2025, authorities in Lam Dong province recovered the body of 29-year-old L.Đ.A.V., a resident of Da Lat city, who had been missing for over a day after being swept away by strong currents in Tuyen Lam Lake. The somber discovery marked the end of an intense search operation that began the previous day when Mr. V. disappeared during a fishing trip with a friend.
According to reports from the Ward 4 People's Committee of Da Lat City, the body was found around 4:30 PM in a deep section of Tuyen Lam Lake, situated within the Tuyen Lam Lake National Tourist Area in Ward 4. Following the recovery, authorities promptly handed over the body to Mr. V.'s family to arrange for funeral services.
The tragic incident unfolded on June 16, 2025, at approximately 1:45 PM, when Mr. V. and his friend ventured to the lake for a fishing outing. Eyewitnesses say that while they were fishing, a sudden surge of water from an upstream stream, likely caused by heavy rainfall, rushed down and swept both men into the lake’s depths.
Onlookers at the scene quickly sprang into action, managing to pull Mr. V.'s friend to safety. Unfortunately, Mr. V. was carried further into the lake by the powerful current and went missing. The swift response by those present prevented a double tragedy, but the loss of Mr. V. has left the community grieving.
Upon receiving reports of the incident, the Lam Dong Provincial Police mobilized a multi-agency rescue operation. Over 30 personnel from various units, including the Ward 4 rescue team, the management board of the Tuyen Lam Lake National Tourist Area, and the Lam Dong Provincial Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police, were deployed to the scene.
Search efforts commenced immediately but faced significant challenges. The onset of darkness and dropping temperatures forced rescuers to temporarily suspend operations at 9:00 PM on June 16. However, the following day, June 17, the teams resumed their mission with renewed determination, employing boats, canoes, and specialized equipment to scour the lake.
After more than 24 hours of searching, rescue teams located Mr. V.'s body near the area where he was last seen being swept away. The grim discovery brought closure to the frantic search and underscored the dangers posed by sudden natural events in the region.
Authorities emphasized that the rapid rise in water flow from the upstream stream was unexpected and powerful enough to catch the two men off guard. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with fishing and other recreational activities near bodies of water during or after heavy rains.
Local officials have expressed their condolences to the family of Mr. V. and urged residents and visitors to exercise caution near lakes and rivers, especially in the rainy season. The Tuyen Lam Lake National Tourist Area, known for its scenic beauty and popularity among anglers and tourists, is now also a site of mourning.
The community of Da Lat, often celebrated for its tranquil landscapes and outdoor activities, is grappling with the loss of one of its own. The tragedy has sparked conversations about the need for enhanced safety measures, better warning systems, and increased public awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the wake of the event, rescue teams and local authorities are reviewing their protocols to improve emergency response capabilities. While nature’s unpredictability can never be fully tamed, preparedness and vigilance remain crucial in safeguarding lives.
As the family and friends of Mr. V. mourn their loss, the incident at Tuyen Lam Lake stands as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between enjoying nature and respecting its power. The lakes and streams that provide joy and sustenance can, in moments, become perilous.
With the body now recovered and the search concluded, the focus shifts to honoring the memory of Mr. V., supporting his loved ones, and learning from this tragedy to enhance safety for all who visit or live near the beautiful but sometimes unforgiving waters of Da Lat.
