Around 8:30 on 17/8, Phan Hau, 41, a resident of Ly Son special administrative region, was traveling on the An Vinh Express 01 speedboat from the island to Sa Ky port. About one nautical mile (nearly 2 km) after the boat departed Ben Dinh port, he spotted a pod of dolphins swimming near the vessel.

More than 10 dolphins repeatedly surfaced, at times coming very close to the boat. Many passengers gathered to watch, using their phones to record the sight.

"Previously, the waters around Ly Son typically saw only four or five dolphins at a time. A pod of more than 10 like this is quite rare," Hau said.

Dolphins swimming near Ben Dinh port, Ly Son island. *Video: Phan Hau*

Dolphins are mammals, ranging from 1,2 to 9,5 meters in length and weighing from 40 kilograms to 10 tons. They often live in pods of dozens to hundreds in shallow sea areas. Known for their friendliness towards humans, they can also be trained for performances.

Ly Son island is located about 15 nautical miles from the mainland, covering an area of over 10,3 square kilometers, and comprises Dao Lon and Dao Be islands, with a population of approximately 24,000 residents. The waters around the island have recorded dolphin sightings on numerous occasions.

According to authorities of the Ly Son special administrative region, the continuous appearance of these marine animals has garnered significant community attention, helping to promote the natural beauty and diverse marine ecosystem of this strategic island off Quang Ngai province.

Pham Linh