Tan Thanh commune authorities mobilized about 30 police officers, militia members, and locals on 22/8 to search for Van. Her family said she left her home in Dong Ao village on the morning of 20/8 with a small bag to collect snails, leaving her phone behind. When she didn't return that evening, her brother and his wife reported her missing to the authorities.

The area where Van was collecting snails is a dense, rocky forest with sharp stones, rarely visited by people. In addition to ground searches, authorities have also reviewed security camera footage along suspected routes, but have found no clues.

Van lives alone and has supported herself for years by collecting rock snails, a common side job for locals during the rainy season.

Van before she disappeared. Photo provided by the family.

Van before she disappeared. Photo provided by the family.

In June 2024, Nguyen Van Khanh, 73, also disappeared while collecting rock snails in the former Ninh Hai commune (now Nam Hoa Lu ward). After more than a year of searching, his remains were discovered on 13/8 under a large rock in Hai Nham village.

Ninh Binh rock snails (Bellamya chinensis) are a native species found in damp mountain crevices. They feed on forest leaves and herbs, giving their meat a unique aroma and crunchy texture, making them a local favorite. They are most abundant during the rainy season, from April to August.

Le Hoang