On 3/5, around 10:30, a flyboard performance at Ho Nui Lo in Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh, took an unexpected turn when athlete Pham Truong Anh, 42, from Hai Duong ward, Hai Phong city, and a female tourist lost control and plunged into the water.

Rescue workers assisting the victims on the afternoon of 3/5. *Photo by residents.*

Both sank after the uncontrolled descent. While the female tourist quickly surfaced and swam to shore, Truong Anh remained submerged longer, unable to free himself from the heavy equipment. A witness near Trang An road stated that upon hearing shouts, he and others swam to assist, pulling the victims onto a motorboat. The athlete was unconscious and suffocating when rescued. Emergency responders carried him to a waiting car for immediate medical attention. Fortunately, the athlete regained consciousness and is not in critical condition.

A Hoa Lu ward official confirmed the incident, noting that the athlete experienced only temporary water inhalation and has since recovered. Authorities attributed the accident to a technical malfunction of the flyboard's engine.

Flyboard performances, a new attraction in Ninh Binh, began on the evening of 30/4, drawing large crowds of residents and tourists. Many paid significant sums to experience flying over the water.

A flyboard performance before the accident at Ho Nui Lo. *Still from clip.*

Initially, performers showcased their skills at Ho Ky Lan, part of the Hoa Lu ancient town tourist area. After three days, the team relocated to Ho Nui Lo, about one km away, to continue performances when the incident happened. Following the accident, all flyboard activities in Ninh Binh were temporarily suspended for safety review. Authorities confirmed that flyboard operations in Hoa Lu were fully licensed.

Ho Nui Lo, a freshwater lake spanning over 50 hectares with an average depth of 4–5 meters, is part of the local tourism development plan. Surrounded by limestone mountains, it is often visited alongside the Chua Vang area.

Ho Nui Lo, the site of the accident on 3/5. *Photo by Le Hoang.*

Flyboarding is a water sport developed by Franky Zapata of France. Participants stand on a jet-powered board, using water pressure from a jet ski engine to create thrust, allowing them to rise into the air and perform various maneuvers.

Le Hoang