A Taiwanese woman’s holiday in Vietnam turned tragic after she fatally choked on her breakfast while on a cruise in Hạ Long Bay. The 68-year-old tourist was travelling aboard a cruise ship when the incident occurred, leading to a desperate but unsuccessful rescue attempt.
According to reports from Vietnamese authorities, the incident happened at approximately 9am on the 27th of this month. Passengers were enjoying breakfast when the woman, believed to be eating a sticky rice cake similar to mochi, took a large bite and began choking. Despite efforts by fellow passengers to clear her airway, she started coughing up blood and quickly lost consciousness.
When the cruise ship docked, the woman was already unresponsive. Crew members administered CPR onboard, and medical personnel from Bãi Cháy Hospital were dispatched to the pier. They arrived around 9:50am and immediately took over resuscitation efforts before rushing her to hospital for advanced cardiac life support.
75-Minute Resuscitation Attempt Ends in Tragedy
Doctors at the hospital worked tirelessly for approximately 75 minutes, performing intensive resuscitation procedures. Despite their efforts, the woman’s heart did not restart, and she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
This devastating incident has raised concerns among travellers about the risks of choking, especially when consuming foods like sticky rice cakes, which are notoriously dangerous if eaten too quickly or in large bites.
The local government in Hạ Long City has confirmed that an investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident, including whether any safety protocols on the cruise were breached or if timely assistance was provided.
Importance of Travel Safety and Awareness of Choking Hazards
This tragedy serves as a grim reminder for tourists, especially elderly travellers, to exercise caution when trying unfamiliar foods abroad. Sticky and chewy foods like mochi can pose a significant choking hazard. Experts recommend cutting such foods into smaller pieces and chewing thoroughly before swallowing.
Cruise operators and tour guides are also urged to ensure staff are trained in first aid and choking response techniques, so they can better assist passengers in emergencies.
For families considering cruises in Southeast Asia or elsewhere, being aware of travel safety tips and having basic knowledge of first aid could make a crucial difference in emergencies — potentially saving a loved one’s life.