On the morning of March 8, 2025, tragedy struck when two teenage brothers went missing after heading out to swim at Ninh Thuy beach, located in Ninh Hoa town, Khanh Hoa province. The boys, 16 and 18 years old, identified as Nguyen D. A., born in 2007, and Huynh H. T., born in 2009, reside in Thach Danh hamlet within Ninh Diem ward.
According to Mr. Tran Thai Bao, Chairman of the Ninh Thuy Ward People’s Committee, the two brothers set out for their swim at approximately 5:30 AM. After several hours of not returning home, their family grew concerned and initiated their own search. By around 7:00 AM, when the boys still hadn’t returned, the family located two pairs of sandals and a motorbike, which they reported to local authorities, raising alarms about the boys’ safety.
Following the report, over 100 personnel, including local police and military teams, were mobilized to assist with the search and rescue efforts for the missing teens. Mr. Bao emphasized the situation, stating, "This beach attracts numerous visitors from Ninh Hoa, but today, conditions are dangerous with turbulent seas. Many boats are seeking shelter."
Weather reports from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting indicated severe conditions with northeast winds blowing at level 5 and gusts reaching level 7-8. Waves were reported to be between 2 to 4 meters high, posing significant danger even for experienced swimmers.
The beach incident highlights the broader issue of safety during swimming, especially as the summer season approaches. Mr. Bao cautioned parents to closely supervise their children, urging them to refrain from swimming at perilous and sparsely monitored beach areas. The communal concern is palpable as families await news on the missing boys.
The local authorities, including the Fire and Rescue Police Department and local militia units, are executing extensive searches both on land and underwater, with divers deployed to scour the turbulent waters. The families of the missing teenagers are bracing themselves as rescue teams extend their search efforts, hoping for any sign of the boys.
Despite the challenges posed by unstable weather and large waves, the teams remain dedicated to their mission. Every moment counts as hope wanes, and the urgency of the situation compels rescuers to push forward.
The community remains hopeful for the safe return of the brothers and reflects on the risks of beach outings during tumultuous weather. This event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the vigilance needed to prevent such tragic outcomes.