Tragedy Strikes Family Beachcombing Trip in Southern China, Father Remains Missing
A tragic incident has unfolded in the coastal city of Beihai, Guangxi, where a family of three from Guangdong embarked on a beachcombing trip in the mangrove forest area on August 1st. The family's excursion took a devastating turn when strong winds and heavy rain suddenly swept in around 6-7 AM, catching them off guard. The father attempted to lead his wife and 21-year-old son to safety, but the powerful waves and rising water separated them.
3 August 2025
Ms. Deng, the mother, was rescued by local fishermen after floating for an unknown period. She was fortunate to find her son nearby, who was in critical condition with a blue face, mouth, hands, and feet, and close to shock. Both were rushed to the hospital, where the son is currently in the ICU battling a lung infection.
Tragically, the father was swept away by the waves and remains missing. As of August 2nd, an extensive search and rescue operation involving boats and drones has been underway, but no sign of him has been found. The missing father was last seen wearing a blue top and jeans, and unfortunately, did not have his phone with him. His daughter, Ms. Liang, has taken to social media to appeal for help in locating her father.
This incident has sparked widespread concern and discussions on the importance of checking weather forecasts and understanding local conditions before engaging in activities like beachcombing in unfamiliar areas. Many have taken to Weibo to express their shock and sympathy for the family, while also sharing practical safety tips for beach activities.
Users are emphasizing the importance of knowing high and low tide times, being aware of rip currents, avoiding rocky areas and places with strong currents, and supervising children closely. Others are stressing the need for proper sun protection and frequent hydration. The incident has also sparked conversations about responsible tourism, highlighting the need for tourists to research and prepare for activities and for local authorities to ensure safety at popular tourist spots.
As the search efforts continue, the public's sentiment is predominantly one of concern and caution. While there is a strong emotional response to the tragedy, many are urging others to learn from this incident to avoid similar misfortunes. The incident has served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of natural environments, even during recreational activities.