The coastal area of Cam Thịnh Đông Commune, Khánh Hòa Province, where the tragic drowning occurred. — Photo vtv.vn

KHÁNH HÒA — Four members of the same family have drowned in Cam Ranh Bay, Khánh Hòa Province on Tuesday, according to a local official.

The victims are Thái Thị Hà, 50, from Cam Thịnh Đông Commune, Cam Ranh City and her two daughters, Đặng Thị Thủy, 27; Đặng Thị Liên, 24, and Thủy’s 10-year-old daughter, said Đặng Văn Thứ, chairman of Cam Thịnh Đông Commune People’s Committee.

The incident occurred when they were catching snails, vietnamplus.vn reported.

Suddenly, Hà and Trâm - her granddaughter, fell into a deep water hole. Thủy and Liên rushed into the water to rescue them but were also submerged.

Hà’s son-in-law, who cannot swim, ran to call for help but was too late.

At 1pm, the bodies of four victims were found and taken ashore.

The local government provided victims’ family with VNĐ24 million (US$1,000) in support.

On the same day, Đắk Lắk central highlights province also reported a three-year-old child drowned while playing in a local canal.

The victim is Dương Thị Yến, living in Cư Kbang Commune, Ea Súp District.

On August 19, two children were also reported drowned at the same place.

Canals are always a potential risk of drowning in children in the locality, according to Đàm Văn Hà, chairman of People’s Committee of Cư Kbang Commune.

Local authorities have recommended families should pay more attention to their children and keep them away from the canals, avoiding unfortunate consequences. — VNS