A valley in the Son Tra Nature Reserve in Da Nang city. Four tourists, who lost their way in jungle, were rescued after getting lost in the reserve. — VNS Photo Cong Thanh

One local rescuer was killed after falling down a rock during the search.

Chairman of the Son Tra People’s committee, Tran Thi Thanh Tam confirmed to the Việt Nam News, stating that four visitors – Tran Minh Sang, 26, Dinh Ngoc Minh, 27, Le Nguyen Tu, 24 from HCM City and Bui Thi Thao Nhi from Hue City – got lost when they were trekking downhill near the banyan tree area.

Tam said the four tourists have been taken to the city centre around 3.30am on Wednesday, only one man Le Nguyen Tu was slightly wound.

The group of four visitors were on a motorbike trip in the Son Tra Nature Reserve in the afternoon on Tuesday.

They parked the bike near the banyan tree area – a favourite destination in the reserve – for trekking downhill to the sea. However, the four lost their ways and shouted for help when it rained hard and became dark.

Two local fishermen – Mai Xuan Minh, 34 and Tran Long Khai, 30, who was fishing near there, came to their help after hearing the call.

They found the group before calling for support from local policemen, fire-men and search and rescue force by mobile phone.

Fisherman Khai, slipped and banged on the rock and was killed.

Last year, four foreign tourists from the US and Australia went missing when trekking in the reserve. Three managed to find the way out and the fourth was rescued by local rangers.

The reserve is 4,400ha in size and and 10km away from the city’s centre, is a favourite destination for nature lovers attracting 10,000 tourists each month.

The People’s Committee of Da Nang City has directed relevant agencies to tighten traffic safety on local roads to Son Tra Penisula.

The move came after a dozen traffic accidents reportedly occurred, caused by motorcyclists, including both local residents and tourists.

According to a report from the city, 12 traffic accidents have happened so far this year, killing four and injuring three.

Road signs warning people about the risks of landslides are planned for 19 high-risk spots in the reserve.

VNS