In a tragic incident at Mo Duc beach in Quang Ngai province, rescue teams have found the body of one of four missing students who drowned earlier this week. The search for the remaining three victims is ongoing and has intensified in the wake of this heartbreaking event.
According to the People's Committee of Mo Duc district, the body of 16-year-old Pham Anh Tan was discovered at approximately 1:00 AM on May 3, 2025. The victim, who resided in village 1 of Duc Chanh commune, was found about 200 meters south of the location where he was last seen. Tan had gone swimming with friends on the evening of May 1 when they were swept away by strong waves.
That fateful day, around 6:00 PM, Tan and his friends decided to take a dip at the beach in Duc Chanh commune. Unfortunately, they were caught off guard by the powerful surf, leading to their disappearance. Concurrently, a separate drowning incident occurred at Tan Dinh beach in Thang Loi commune, resulting in three other students going missing.
The local authorities, alongside community members, sprang into action as soon as they received news of the incidents. Mr. Nguyen Quang Chinh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Duc Chanh commune, confirmed the recovery of Tan's body and stated that efforts to locate the remaining three victims were still underway. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, as families anxiously awaited news of their loved ones.
In response to the situation, the Quang Ngai Provincial Police issued an urgent dispatch to neighboring provinces—Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, and Khanh Hoa—requesting assistance in the search and rescue operations. This included mobilizing additional personnel and resources, such as boats and local fishermen, to help in the search for the missing students.
As the search operations continued, various methods were employed to enhance their effectiveness. Volunteers began using flycams to survey the area from above, allowing rescue teams to cover more ground and potentially locate the other missing students more quickly. The use of aerial surveillance marked a significant step in the ongoing search efforts, which have so far involved dozens of local residents and multiple rescue teams.
By the morning of May 3, the search area had been expanded significantly. Local fishermen and community members joined forces with rescue teams, utilizing boats and canoes to comb through the waters and shoreline in hopes of finding the remaining victims.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tuong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Thang Loi commune, reported that the local community has been deeply affected by the tragedy. He noted that many volunteers had stepped forward, demonstrating the strong spirit of solidarity among the residents as they rallied together to support the families of the missing children.
As the search efforts continue, the emotional toll on the families of the missing students is palpable. Relatives have been seen gathering near the beach, their faces etched with worry and sorrow as they await updates from the rescue teams. The community is holding onto hope that the remaining three students will be found safe.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by swimming in rough waters, particularly for young individuals who may not fully comprehend the risks involved. Local officials are urging beachgoers to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines when swimming, especially during times of adverse weather conditions.
As the search unfolds, the community remains united in their efforts, showcasing resilience in the face of tragedy. The next few days will be crucial as rescue teams continue their relentless pursuit to bring closure to the families affected by this devastating incident.
In the wake of this tragedy, it is essential for local authorities to review safety protocols at beaches and ensure that adequate measures are in place to prevent such incidents in the future. The loss of young lives is a profound tragedy that resonates deeply within the community, and it highlights the need for increased awareness and education regarding water safety.
As the situation develops, the community of Mo Duc and the surrounding regions are holding their breath, hoping for the best possible outcome in this heartbreaking search.
