At about 11 am on February 16 (ie, the 29th of the Lunar New Year), during the duty to ensure safety for beachgoers, coastal rescue forces discovered a whale (Cá Ông) drifting ashore in a state of exhaustion.
Rescue forces and people quickly approached, coordinated to find ways to support bringing this individual to deeper waters so that they could return to the sea. However, perhaps because it was too weak, the Ca Ong died later.
Upon receiving information, local authorities were present, recorded at the scene and guided the handling steps according to regulations.
The Culture and Social Department of Vung Tau ward said that according to custom, Ca Ong is considered "Nam Hai Dai Tuong Quan", the guardian god of seafarers. After completing the necessary procedures, Ca Ong will be handed over to Dinh Thang Tam for burial according to traditional fishermen's rituals. The burial of Ca Ong has long been a unique spiritual cultural feature, expressing respect and gratitude for the fish that are believed to have rescued ships in distress at sea many times.
