The tourists, identified as Moritz Wolfram (born 1989) and Kathrin Sophie (born 1994), had gone missing late on September 28. According to Ta Van commune authorities (Lao Cai province), heavy rain and thunderstorms slowed their pace and obscured the trails. They repeatedly shared GPS coordinates and sent urgent requests for rescue.

Nguyen Dinh Thang, Vice Chairman of Ta Van commune, said that upon receiving the report, the local People’s Committee mobilized police, militia, and forest rangers from Hoang Lien National Park to search for the missing travelers.

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After hours of searching, the two German tourists were found safe. Photo: Van Quyet

The first search team set out on the evening of September 28 but was forced to retreat due to rising streams and severe weather. On the morning of September 29, a second team composed of forest rangers, militia, Ta Van commune police, villagers from Sin Chai, Fansipan cable car medical staff, and Sa Pa’s Fire and Rescue Police set off again.

As Typhoon Bualoi brought dangerous weather conditions, the commune directed all forces to prepare equipment and safety plans to protect the rescuers. Nearly 20 personnel familiar with the terrain, equipped with GPS devices and English communication skills, joined the mission.

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Rescue forces brought the two tourists safely down from the mountain. Photo: Lao Cai Newspaper

After many hours of overnight effort, the team located the missing tourists about 3 km from the 2,200-meter rest stop. Both were safe, in stable health and mental condition. Local authorities coordinated with functional forces to provide essential supplies and escort them out of the danger zone.

This is not the first such incident in Hoang Lien National Park. In March, Dutch tourist was found safe after more than a day lost in the forest, and in November 2024, a Swiss tourist was rescued after being missing for 5 hours.

Hoang Lien National Park lies 1,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level, spanning both Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces.

Linh Trang