Vietnamese Bartender Arrested After Tourist Deaths Linked to Contaminated Alcohol

A 46-year-old bartender, Le Tan Gia, was arrested in Vietnam for allegedly producing a lethal homemade limoncello that caused the deaths of a British couple in December. According to local police, Gia used 70% medical-grade alcohol, which is hazardous for consumption, to create the drink, which he sold to the couple on December 24. Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Quinto Els, 36, were found dead in separate rooms at the Hoi An Silverbell Villa shortly after consuming the beverage and reportedly suffered from severe methanol poisoning. Police confirmed that the couple's cause of death was indeed methanol poisoning, as verified by autopsy results. The couple had contacted family members on Christmas Day, expressing concern over their health, with Otteson mentioning visual disturbances. This incident has heightened concerns over food safety regulations in Vietnam, prompting local authorities to investigate unwanted practices in the bar industry. Meanwhile, Canadian officials recently issued travel advisories following similar incidents linked to tainted alcohol in nearby Laos.

Scientists have identified a new species of isopod in the deep waters of the South China Sea, naming it Bathynomus vaderi in homage to Star Wars character Darth Vader due to the creature's helmet-like appearance. This new species can grow over 30 centimeters in length and weigh more than a kilogram, according to experts from the National University of Singapore. The discovery emphasizes the still largely uncharted biodiversity of deep-sea environments, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reporting that roughly 91% of ocean species remain undiscovered. The deep-sea conditions, characterized by extreme pressure and limited light, contribute to the difficulty of exploring these habitats. As noted by researchers involved in the discovery, Bathynomus vaderi serves as a reminder of the unknowns in deep-sea ecology, highlighting the urgent need for better understanding as human activities, including deep-sea mining and fishing, threaten these ecosystems. Bathynomus species are consumed as a delicacy in Vietnam and have been favorably compared to lobsters for their quality of flesh.

A British woman and her South African fiancé were found dead at their villa in Vietnam in December 2024, and authorities have determined that methanol poisoning from contaminated alcohol was the cause of death. The couple, identified as Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Quinto Els, 36, had recently moved to Vietnam and gotten engaged just weeks before their untimely deaths. The couple was found in separate rooms at the Hoi An Silverbell Villa. They had consumed tainted homemade limoncello that they ordered from a local restaurant on Christmas Eve. The following day, Otteson contacted her parents via WhatsApp, reporting severe hangover symptoms, including seeing "black spots" in her vision. Despite a friend's offer to take them to the hospital, the couple declined help. Following the discovery of their bodies, police found empty liquor bottles at the scene, leading to the autopsy results confirming methanol poisoning as the cause of death. Their families described them as experienced travelers who were excited about their life in Vietnam. Otteson’s parents have expressed their intention to seek justice for their daughter and her fiancé. No arrests have been made in relation to the case, and the name of the restaurant where the alcohol was purchased has not been disclosed.