Around 6 a.m., a group of 4 students arrived at Gian Bi village, Hai Van ward (formerly Hoa Bac commune, Lien Chieu district) to visit and swim in the stream. While wading in Vung Bot stream, two of them slipped and disappeared beneath the water.

The Da Nang City Police's fire prevention, fighting, and rescue force was dispatched to the scene and initiated a search. By 10 a.m. the same day, the bodies of the victims were recovered and handed over to their families for funeral arrangements.

The victims' bodies are brought ashore and handed over to their families. Photo: Le Niem

The victims' bodies are brought ashore and handed over to their families. Photo: Le Niem

Vung Bot is located at the headwaters of the Cu De River, where the Nam and Bac rivers converge before flowing into the Nam O sea. The area boasts clear water and beautiful scenery, frequently attracting people for picnics and swimming.

However, the terrain is treacherous, with sharp rocks and sections 4 to 5 meters deep. Several drowning incidents have occurred there, with 6 recorded since 2021.

Following the drowning of an 11th-grade student in 3/2024, authorities conducted awareness campaigns, posted warning signs, and erected barriers to block access to the stream. Despite these measures, people continue to swim there.

Ngoc Truong