"Heart-Stopping Moment: Drone Rescues Man from Drowning Amidst Devastating Floods that Claim 55 Lives"

Table of Contents

• Drone Rescue of Nguyen Van Hat
• Impact of Flooding in Central Vietnam
• Other Rescue Operations
• Frequently Asked Questions

WATCH the astonishing moment when a farmer's drone rescues a man from a raging river, saving him from drowning.

The farm worker, Nguyen Van Hat, found himself stranded on an island in the middle of the Serepok River in Dak Lak province, central Vietnam, and required rescue as the water levels rose dangerously.

An agricultural drone was employed to rescue the stranded farm worker from the flooded river.Credit: Department of Natural Disaster Prevention of Vietnam Nguyen Van Hat needed assistance after becoming trapped in the Serepok River.Credit: Department of Natural Disaster Prevention of Vietnam

Video footage from Friday morning captures the large drone hovering just above the water's surface, which flows with a powerful current.

A life buoy is suspended from the drone on sturdy straps, with Mr. Hat, 49, desperately grasping it.

The drone struggles against the force of the water as it attempts to lift Mr. Hat from the river.

Strong currents repeatedly threaten to destabilize the drone, and at one point, it nearly plunges into the water.

The drone suddenly dips down, coming within inches of the water's surface, before the operator successfully regains control.

Ultimately, Mr. Hat was lifted into the air and transported across the river to safety.

The farm laborer had been working on a sandbar but became stranded as the river rose swiftly.

Local rescuers were assisted by a farmer who brought the drone to the scene.

They secured a life jacket and life buoy to the drone and sent it over to where Mr. Hat was trapped—approximately 30 meters from the shore.

A local official stated: “When Mr. Hat was found on an oasis in the Serepok River, the authorities instructed the police to remain in contact.

“However, by the afternoon, the river was flowing more rapidly, and it was anticipated that the water level would continue to rise, prompting authorities to deploy a drone to safely bring Mr. Hat to shore.”

Central Vietnam has experienced heavy rainfall this week, resulting in severe flooding across the region.

Another similar drone rescue operation was conducted to save a fisherman after his boat capsized.

Pham Van Truong fell into the water and was swept away along with his partner on Thursday afternoon.

A search throughout the night did not locate him, but on Friday morning, rescuers spotted him clinging to a small piece of land near a bridge.

An agricultural drone successfully lifted him to safety—however, his partner remains missing.

At least 55 individuals have lost their lives due to the flooding.

Thousands of hectares of crops have also been damaged.

The drone faced significant challenges battling against the winds and current.Credit: Department of Natural Disaster Prevention of Vietnam Mr. Hat was ultimately rescued and brought to safety.Credit: Department of Natural Disaster Prevention of Vietnam