The incident occurred around 7h40 when a tour group, including four tourists from the US, Germany, and Denmark, along with their guide, traveled from Nha Trang to visit Bai Tien beach in Phuoc Tan village. While swimming, Nicholas Theophanous, a German national, and Viled Danisl, a Danish national, encountered large waves.

Tourists trapped in the rock crevice are brought to safety by rescue forces. Photo: Dak Lak Police

Both tourists struggled, calling out for help from those on shore, but the strong current swept them further away. They became trapped in a rock crevice more than 50 m from their initial position. The rough seas and powerful waves caused strong impacts; one victim sustained a head injury, and the other was unable to move.

Within 5 minutes, Hoa Xuan commune police, in coordination with the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police Department and Border Guard forces, arrived at the scene to organize the rescue operation. Initial efforts were challenging due to waves higher than 3-4 m and the treacherous terrain.

Rescue forces deployed ropes for the tourists to hold onto, guiding them to a safe location. The person with the head injury was transferred onto a stretcher and transported to a medical center for care.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the Dak Lak sea area today experienced no rain, northeast winds at level 4, and waves 1,5-2,5 m high.

Bui Toan