According to local authorities in Tien Dien Commune, Ha Tinh Province, Nguyen Thanh Tung, 35, and his daughter visited Xuan Thanh Beach late in the afternoon of July 30. The pair wore life jackets and set out to sea in a kayak over 3 metres long and nearly 1.5 metres wide at around 5pm.
While paddling, they were caught in strong winds and swept far beyond the coast, eventually drifting past Mat Island, more than 30 kilometres from the mainland. They struggled to stay afloat through the night under dangerous conditions for more than 13 hours.
Upon receiving the distress report, Lach Ken Border Guard Station mobilised 12 officers to join local authorities and fishermen in a night-long search effort, but the two could not be located.
At 6.30am on July 31, the cargo vessel VINASINE 555, captained by Tran Dinh Hai, 44, spotted the father and daughter clinging to their kayak in open water. The crew immediately deployed lifebuoys and successfully rescued them.
Authorities said both Tung and his daughter were in stable condition and were being transported to Vung Ang Port in Ha Tinh, where their family was waiting.
Local officials noted that kayaking is not a service offered at the Xuan Thanh Beach, though some visitors still bring their own kayaks for recreational use.
Authorities have issued a warning advising residents and tourists not to use kayaks for leisure activities at the beach, citing safety concerns.
