Police rescue German, American tourists lost in Da Nang forest for over a day

Police officers in the city’s Ba Na Commune said the tourists were Austin Vasquez, 31, an American, and Matty Geppert, 36, a German.

The two entered the area near Hang Gio Stream in Hoa Trung Hamlet on Tuesday to camp but lost their way.

Authorities launched a search after receiving information about the missing tourists and found them near the stream by noon on Wednesday.

Both had minor external injuries, but their overall health was not seriously affected.

Grateful for the rescue effort, Vasquez and Geppert wrote a letter thanking the authorities.

In the letter, Vasquez praised Vietnam as a safe country with hospitable and compassionate people, spotlighting the professionalism of its police force in maintaining public security and order.

He also credited Ba Na Commune police with helping save their lives and thanked everyone involved in the rescue.

Da Nang police said the area around Hang Gio Stream has complex natural terrain and poses potential safety risks.

They advised visitors against exploring the area without a guide familiar with the terrain, urging them to research routes carefully, follow instructions from responsible personnel and avoid traveling alone.