A British tourist, Barry Mattacott, 63, required rescue from a remote Vietnamese jungle after following directions from Google Maps that led him astray. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 3, in the Dang Thuy Commune of Quang Ngai Province.
Mattacott, a marketing specialist and seasoned traveler, embarked on a roughly 300-kilometer journey from Quy Nhon to Da Nang on his Kawasaki W650. However, the navigation app directed him onto a dirt road that wound through a mountainous forest. He encountered steep slopes, rocky terrain, and water-filled ruts.
The situation escalated when Mattacott lost control of his motorcycle, resulting in a punctured tire. Stranded alone in the mountains, he was forced to push his heavy bike for over two hours without encountering anyone who could assist him. His luck changed when local residents spotted him beside the muddy track in Con Doc village around 2:30 p.m. and offered help.
These residents contacted the local police at 3 p.m., who arrived in a specialized vehicle to extricate Mattacott and his motorcycle. Footage captured the dehydrated traveler accepting water before police loaded his bike onto their vehicle to transport him away from the perilous route. The police and a local mechanic, Thuan, worked to repair the motorcycle, with the process concluding around 8 p.m. Both the mechanic and the officers reportedly refused payment from Mattacott. Police then escorted him back to the main road to continue his journey.
Lieutenant Colonel Phan Tien Dung, head of Dang Thuy Tram Commune Police, and Captain Pham Trung Tien were credited with the rescue. Mattacott expressed his gratitude in a letter, stating, "Some kind local people called the police to help me. The police were so friendly and helpful. I don't think I would have been treated so well in any other country I have been to." He described his encounter with the Vietnamese officers as his best experience with law enforcement.
This is not the first time Google Maps has reportedly led travelers astray in this particular mountainous region. Tourists from Canada, China, South Korea, and the United States have previously encountered difficulties on the same route. Police have cautioned visitors unfamiliar with the area to avoid the road, especially during the rainy season when conditions can become more hazardous due to mud, landslides, and road closures.
This incident echoes a previous mishap in October 2025, when a Polish tourist in Venice fell into a canal after following incorrect directions from Google Maps. The user shared a video of the incident online, warning others to be cautious when using navigation apps in unfamiliar or complex environments.