A group of tourists was swept away by waves and caught in a rock crevice at Bai Tien Beach on January 19, 2026. Five people were rescued after nearly two hours of struggle amid rough seas. The incident highlighted the dangers of rocky shorelines and the swift response of local emergency services.
At a Glance
- 5 tourists were rescued from a rock crevice at Bai Tien Beach.
- The rescue began at 7:58 a.m. local time and was completed around noon.
- Victims were identified as U.S., Danish, German, and Vietnamese nationals.
- Why it matters: The event underscores the importance of quick emergency response and the risks posed by unpredictable sea conditions.
Rescue Operation Timeline
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:58 a.m. | Emergency services alerted to five people “swept away by the waves” and “stuck” in rocks. |
| 8:00 a.m. | Dak Lak Provincial Police (DLP) posted a translated Facebook update identifying the group. |
| 9:30 a.m. | DLP confirmed the group was at a “high risk of drowning” due to “rough seas” and “large waves.” |
| 10:00 a.m. | Police PCCC and the Police Department of Dak Lak Province launched a rescue operation. |
| 11:30 a.m. | Footage released by the police shows rescue team members pulling a young woman out of a crevice. |
| 12:00 p.m. | DLP posted an update that the group had been “successfully rescued.” |
The rescue operation required teams to cross “dangerous rock bottom slippery moss” to reach the victims. Emergency services and ambulances were on scene to provide immediate care and transport.
The Victims
The group consisted of five individuals:
- Eliza Dreher (born 2003), U.S. citizen
- Willian Anderson (born 1968), U.S. citizen
- Vilde Danisl (born 2006), Danish national
- Nicholas Theophanous (born 2006), German national
- Hoang Anh (born 1992), Vietnamese national
Local newspapers VnExpress and Tuổi Trẻ reported that the German and Danish tourists were swimming when they were swept offshore. They became trapped in a crevice that measured 11 inches wide and was more than 160 feet from where they entered the sea.
One victim suffered a head injury, while the second was left “unable to move,” according to the reports. Both were transported to Phu Yen General Hospital for treatment.
Challenges Faced by Rescue Teams
- Rough seas: Large waves made it difficult to approach the rocks.
- Slippery terrain: The rock bottom was covered in moss, increasing the risk of slips.
- Limited visibility: The crevice’s narrow width made it hard to see the trapped individuals.
- Time pressure: The victims were at a high risk of drowning, requiring a rapid response.
“We are investigating the cause,” said a police spokesperson, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring of sea conditions along the coast.
Aftermath and Medical Care
After the rescue, the five tourists were taken to Phu Yen General Hospital. Medical staff treated the head injury and provided care for the victim who was unable to move. The hospital’s response was praised for its efficiency.
The DLP expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the Vietnam Police and Fire Department. In a post on Facebook, the DLP stated:
> “After almost two hours of struggling with the waves and dangerous at sea, the forces Police PCCC and Police Department of Dak Lak Province have successfully rescued a group of foreign tourists who were trapped in a rocky cliff by the sea waves, bringing them to safety shore.”
Footage released by the police showed rescue team members pulling a young woman out from the rocks and carrying a person on a stretcher.
Key Takeaways
- Rapid response is crucial when tourists encounter rough seas near rocky shorelines.
- Accurate identification of victims aids in coordinating rescue and medical care.
- Public awareness about the dangers of swimming near cliffs can prevent similar incidents.
- Collaborative efforts between police, fire, and medical teams save lives in emergencies.
The incident at Bai Tien Beach serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of coastal environments and the importance of preparedness. The swift actions of the Dak Lak Provincial Police and accompanying emergency services ensured that all five tourists were rescued safely.
Published on January 20, 2026 by Jonathan P. Miller at News Of Los Angeles.
