THANH HOA, Vietnam – A desperate search and rescue operation is continuing for a second day as authorities and volunteers scour the coastline for two young siblings who went missing while swimming at the popular Sam Son beach in Thanh Hoa province. The incident, which has shocked the local community and visitors, highlights the sudden dangers of the sea even at a crowded tourist destination.
The two children, identified as a boy aged 10 and his younger sister, aged 8, were visiting the beach with their father on Tuesday afternoon. According to the distraught father's report to the authorities, the family was playing in waist-deep water when a powerful wave or a sudden rip current pulled the children away from him. In a matter of seconds, he lost sight of them in the turbulent water.
A massive search was launched almost immediately. The Thanh Hoa Provincial Border Guard has deployed multiple vessels and jet skis to patrol the waters, while local fishermen have volunteered their boats and knowledge of the local currents to aid the effort. On land, teams of police officers and volunteers are combing miles of coastline, hoping to find any sign of the missing children. The search continued through the night with high-powered searchlights, reflecting the urgency of the mission.
"We are deploying every available resource," said Major Le Van Toan, a commander with the Provincial Border Guard. "The currents in this area can be unpredictable, which presents a significant challenge. But our teams will not stop. We are maintaining hope and working around the clock."
The children's father is reportedly overcome with grief and is being supported by family members and local counselors while he assists authorities with the investigation.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Vietnam, with an outpouring of prayers and support for the family on social media. The tragic event has also served as a stark reminder of ocean safety. Authorities are using this opportunity to reissue warnings to tourists and local residents about the dangers of rip currents, advising swimmers to stay in designated safe zones, never swim alone, and closely supervise children at all times, even in shallow water.
As the search enters its critical next phase, the hope of finding the siblings alive is diminishing, but the determination of the rescue teams remains unwavering. The entire community is watching anxiously, praying for a miracle.
