Russian tourist dies after being swept out to sea off Vietnam's Mui Ne

Authorities said the man was part of a group of three swimming at Ham Tien Beach around midday when a sudden rip current pulled them far from shore. Rescue crews managed to reach and save the two Vietnamese swimmers, but the Russian tourist was carried much farther out by the strong surf.

A nearby jet-ski operator attempted to help, racing into the water after spotting the struggle, but the man had already gone under. He was later brought ashore, given first aid and transferred to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Officials have secured the victim’s body for the procedures required when foreign nationals die in Vietnam.

The Phan Thiet–Mui Ne coastline has been facing waves up to 3–4 meters high this week as Storm Koto churns offshore, damaging seawalls and prompting repeated warnings about dangerous conditions for swimming and beachside tourism. The region is expected to remain rough in the coming days.