Vietnam News

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.

Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and her fiancé Arno Quinton Els, 36, tragically died due to methanol poisoning while vacationing in Vietnam. Their bodies were discovered on December 26, 2024, at the Hoi An Silverbell villa, where they had been leasing a guesthouse. Family members reported that the couple likely ingested contaminated homemade limoncello purchased from a local restaurant on Christmas Eve. Vietnamese police confirmed the cause of death following autopsies, stating that no signs of external trauma were found on the bodies. Otteson’s parents, who flew to Vietnam for the couple's cremation, expressed their grief, saying: “Both Greta and Arno were experienced worldwide travellers... They were a loving couple with their life ahead of them.” The couple had moved to Vietnam in February 2024 and got engaged just three weeks before their untimely deaths. Authorities have not made any arrests related to the incident, and the restaurant from which the alcohol was believed to have come remains open. The families of Otteson and Els are now seeking justice and wish to hold those responsible for providing the tainted alcohol accountable.

Scientists have recently identified a new species of 'supergiant' sea bug in Vietnam and have named it Bathynomus vaderi, drawing inspiration from the iconic Star Wars character, Darth Vader. The creature's head resembles the Sith Lord's helmet, leading to this unique name. The Bathynomus vaderi can grow up to 32.5 cm in length and weigh over a kilogram. The discovery was made during a study focused on culinary trends in Vietnam, where these giant isopods, known locally as "bo bein," are increasingly being recognized as a delicacy. The quality of their meat is often compared to that of lobster. Smaller restaurants keep these bugs in ice, while larger establishments maintain them in tanks of chilled water for display. Despite their large size, Bathynomus vaderi is one of several species in the Bathynomus genus, which inhabit deep waters, notably near the Spratly Islands in the contested South China Sea. The market price for these supergiant isopods has fluctuated over recent years, decreasing from Rs 6,854 per kilogram in 2017 to approximately Rs 3,400 per kilogram in early 2024, thanks to increased demand and availability. While B. vaderi is impressive, it is not the largest isopod species—this title belongs to Bathynomus jamesi, which can reach lengths of up to 50 cm and weights of about 2.6 kilograms. The presence of these remarkable creatures reveals the unexplored biological diversity lurking beneath our oceans.

Researchers in Southeast Asia have identified a new species of giant isopod, named Bathynomus vaderi, after the iconic Star Wars character, Darth Vader. Measuring 12.8 inches long and weighing 2.2 pounds, this colossal creature was discovered near the Spratly Islands by scientists from Hanoi University and their colleagues from Singapore. The isopod resembles its terrestrial cousin, the sow bug, and inhabits depths of cold seawater. Initially captured at a seafood market in Quy Nhơn City, the discovery marks the first identification of this species, which has never been described before in scientific literature. B. vaderi is carnivorous, feeding on crustaceans, fish, squid, and even whale carcasses. It has drawn interest for both its ecological significance and its status as a delicacy in certain Asian markets, where large isopods are sold live. However, researchers caution that the rising demand could threaten the species, emphasizing the need for sustainable harvesting practices. Further studies are planned to assess the distribution of B. vaderi beyond its initial discovery location, with hopes that additional populations may exist in the surrounding waters.

Scientists have identified a new species of giant isopod off the coast of Vietnam, measuring a remarkable 12.8 inches in length and weighing 2.2 pounds. This colossal crustacean, named Bathynomus vaderi, was discovered by researchers from Hanoi University after being purchased at a seafood market in Quy Nhơn City. The creature's carapaced head resembles Darth Vader's iconic helmet from the "Star Wars" franchise, which inspired its name. This species is a carnivore, feeding on crustaceans, fish, and even whale carcasses. It lives in deep, cold waters, primarily near the Spratly Islands, although further research may uncover a wider habitat range. Giant isopods are considered a delicacy in certain Asian regions and are often trapped and sold alive. The discovery of B. vaderi raises concerns about the potential overfishing of this newly identified species and may encourage sustainable harvesting practices in the future. Further studies are needed to assess its population and habitat.

Thick smog has once again engulfed Hanoi, Vietnam, causing significant health concerns for its nine million residents. The city recorded PM2.5 pollutant levels of 227 micrograms per cubic meter, which is 15 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended maximum for daily exposure. In response to the alarming air quality, authorities have urged citizens to wear masks and limit outdoor activities. Many commuters expressed struggles with breathing through the dense haze, leading some to shift to buses and taxis despite the added costs. Office worker Tran Quynh Lan shared her experience, stating, "I really don't feel I can breathe easily in the open air. I have to wear masks all the time." Hanoi has gained notoriety for its air pollution, frequently ranking among the world's most polluted capitals according to IQAir. The ongoing pollution crisis is attributed to rampant construction, emissions from vehicles, and nearby coal plant operations, compounded by unfavorable weather conditions that trap pollutants in the atmosphere. Climate expert Huy Nguyen noted that a significant improvement in the air quality may not occur until the arrival of the northeast monsoon and associated rainfall, which typically doesn't begin until March.

The bodies of Greta Marie Otteson, a 33-year-old British woman, and her fiancé, Arno Els Quinton, a 36-year-old South African, were discovered in separate rooms of a tourist villa in Hội An, Vietnam. The pair was found by villa staff on December 26 at approximately 11:18 AM. According to local media reports, Otteson's body was located on her bed, while Quinton was found in a similar position in another room. A forensic examination revealed no signs of physical trauma or violence, and investigators stated there were no indications of a break-in at the villa. Authorities noted the presence of several empty alcohol bottles at the scene. Both Otteson and Quinton had been registered at the villa for long-term temporary residence since July of the previous year. Otteson worked as a social media marketing manager, while Quinton had experience as a barista. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office issued a statement confirming they are in contact with local authorities to assist the family of the deceased. A friend of Quinton expressed his condolences on social media, commemorating his life and friendship.