The recent tragedy along the coast of Bình Thuận has shocked locals and visitors alike, as the body of 25-year-old Trương Quang Tr. was recovered two days after he drowned during high waves at Thương Chánh beach. This unfortunate event is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by swimming during adverse weather conditions.
On the afternoon of February 5, Trương Quang Tr. and his friend Nguyễn Xuân L., 20, were part of a group of tourists enjoying the sea at Bình Hưng beach, Phan Thiết. Despite warnings about strong waves, the group decided to swim, leading to the dire situation where both young men were swept away by powerful currents.
Local residents acted quickly upon witnessing the incident. While many joined hands to help rescue Nguyễn Xuân L.—who was brought back to safety—the situation turned grim for Tr. as he was lost to the waters. Following this, the provincial Border Command activated their search and rescue protocols, dispatching teams with canoes and local fishermen to locate Tr.
The search operations involved coordinated efforts from over ten officers from the Border Guard, working tirelessly along the coastline where Tr. was last seen. Despite their devoted attempts over two days, including thorough searches and deployment of equipment, all efforts to retrieve Tr. were initially unsuccessful, resulting in rising concerns among family and friends.
On the morning of February 7, two days after the tragic incident, the community found some closure when Tr.’s body was discovered approximately 700 meters from where he had gone missing. The discovery came as residents were still rallying support for his family, who had set up memorials on the beach.
Authorities have confirmed the identity of the body as Trương Quang Tr. The legal process for transferring his remains to his family for burial began shortly thereafter. Local officials, addressing the series of events, have pointed out the hazards of swimming during severe weather conditions, continually urging beachgoers to heed safety advisories.
"Thi thể được xác định là du khách Trương Quang Tr.", stated local authorities highlighted the importance of prompt reporting and responses to such emergencies. The urgency and teamwork displayed during the search demonstrate the community's commitment to each other's safety.
Beyond the individual tragedy, this incident has reignited discussions among local government officials about beach safety, particularly during stormy weather. A representative from disaster management stated, "Các huyện, thị, thành phố chỉ đạo tăng cường tuyên truyền đưa ra chỉ dẫn tại khu vực bãi tắm có nguy cơ cao xảy ra đuối nước." This emphasizes the responsibility of local authorities to protect their citizens and visitors by informing them of potential hazards.
Communities along the coastal regions widely enjoy the scenic beauty and recreational activities the beaches offer, but as evidenced by this unfortunate incident, they can also harbor risks. The local government has now taken firm steps to improve beach safety protocols, hoping the tragedy serves as an unforgettable lesson for everyone.
While the loss of Trương Quang Tr. resonates sorrowfully with many, the call for awareness and the need for precaution continues to echo through the beachside towns of Bình Thuận. The community stands united, remembering Tr. and working collectively to prevent such heart-wrenching occurrences from happening again.