Authorities search for a Chinese tourist who was swept away by waves at Tuy Hoa beach in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam's Central Highlands. Photo: Thanh Thuong / Tuoi Tre
According to initial information, Le Diem B., 21, from Dak Lak Province, and Zhang Lang, 27, a Chinese national, went to the beach area on Friday afternoon.
At around 6:00 pm, Zhang went into the sea and was suddenly swept farther out to sea by large waves.
Beach rescue workers immediately launched a rescue operation after noticing what had happened, but were unable to reach him in time.
A representative of the Tuy Hoa beach rescue team told Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper that the tourist raised both hands to signal for help when the incident occurred.
Two lifeguards spotted him and immediately ran into the sea and swam toward him. However, moments later, a large wave swept him farther offshore and he disappeared from view.
Everything happened so quickly that the rescue team could not reach him in time, the representative said.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.
Also on Friday, three Russian and Kazakh tourists were rescued after being swept into a rocky area by strong waves while swimming at Bai Mon Beach in Dak Lak Province.
While swimming, the tourists were swept into a rocky crevice by strong waves and were unable to return to shore on their own.
Local authorities and rescue teams were immediately mobilized to the scene, safely brought them ashore and provided first aid for their injuries.
